Want to add some fun and excitement to your next gathering? A paper fortune teller, also known as a cootie catcher, is a simple yet engaging craft that's perfect for kids and adults alike! This classic game is easy to make and provides endless entertainment. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to create your own personalized paper fortune teller.
Materials You'll Need:
- One square sheet of paper: Any size will work, but larger sheets are easier to fold and write on. 8.5 x 11 inch printer paper works great if you trim it down to a square.
- Pen or marker: Choose colors that stand out against your paper.
- Scissors (optional): For trimming the paper into a perfect square.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing Your Paper
- Make it square (if necessary): If you're using standard printer paper, start by trimming it down to a square. Fold one corner to meet the opposite corner, crease the fold, and cut off the excess. You now have a perfect square!
Step 2: First Set of Folds
- Fold in half: Fold the square in half diagonally, crease, and unfold.
- Fold again: Fold the square in half diagonally the other way, crease, and unfold. You should now have an 'X' pattern of creases on your paper.
Step 3: Second Set of Folds
- Fold into quarters: Fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically, creating a smaller square.
- Fold the corners to the center: Fold each of the four corners into the center point where the creases meet. Crease each fold firmly.
Step 4: The Final Fold
- Flip it over: Turn the paper over so the folded corners are facing down.
- Fold in half: Fold the paper in half again, bringing the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease firmly.
- Fold in half again: Fold the paper in half one more time, bringing one side to the other.
Step 5: Decorating Your Fortune Teller
- Open it up: Carefully unfold the paper to reveal eight triangular flaps.
- Label the flaps: On the outside of each of the four larger flaps, write a letter or a number (A, B, C, D, or 1, 2, 3, 4).
- Write fortunes: Inside each of the eight smaller triangular flaps, write a message, a prediction, a dare, or a question. Get creative!
Step 6: Playing the Game
- Open and close: Have a friend choose a letter or number from the larger flaps. Then, they choose a second letter or number. Continue until a final flap is revealed, revealing their fortune!
Tips and Variations:
- Themes: Create themed fortune tellers for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
- Illustrations: Add drawings or stickers to decorate your fortune teller.
- Multiple Players: Get everyone involved in creating their own fortunes and taking turns playing.
- Difficult Fortunes: Try incorporating riddles or puzzles as fortunes for an extra challenge.
Making a Paper Fortune Teller: A Fun and Engaging Activity for All Ages!
Creating a paper fortune teller is a fun and inexpensive way to entertain yourself or a group of friends. It's a great activity for parties, classrooms, or just a quiet afternoon at home. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy the fortune telling!
