How To Make The Paper Fortune Teller

How to Make a Paper Fortune Teller: A Comprehensive Guide

The paper fortune teller, also known as a cootie catcher, chatterbox, or salt cellar, is a nostalgic childhood game that continues to bring joy to generations. This seemingly simple craft offers a surprisingly engaging activity, perfect for classrooms, parties, or just a quiet afternoon. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of making a paper fortune teller, from choosing your materials to decorating and filling it with fortunes, ensuring you create a truly personalized and captivating game.

Choosing Your Materials: Setting the Stage for Creativity

Before diving into the folding frenzy, gather your materials. The beauty of this craft lies in its simplicity; you'll need minimal supplies:

• Paper: The foundation of your fortune teller. You can use standard printer paper, construction paper, origami paper, or even decorative scrapbook paper. The choice of paper dictates the final look and feel of your creation. Thicker paper provides more durability, while thinner paper allows for more intricate folds. Consider the color and pattern – a vibrant, patterned paper will create a more visually appealing fortune teller.

• Ruler: A ruler will assist in ensuring precise folds and creating even squares. Accurate measurements are crucial for a successful fortune teller.

• Pencil or Pen: Use this to write your messages and fortunes neatly. A fine-point pen is ideal for smaller squares.

• Scissors (Optional): While not strictly necessary, scissors can help create cleaner edges, especially when using decorative paper with uneven or frayed edges.

• Decorative Elements (Optional): Let your creativity shine! Stickers, markers, glitter glue, washi tape, or even small drawings can add a personal touch and transform your fortune teller into a unique masterpiece.

Step-by-Step Guide: Folding Your Paper Fortune Teller

Now for the fun part! Follow these steps carefully to create your paper fortune teller:

Step 1: Creating the Square Base

1. Start with a square piece of paper. If you're using standard rectangular printer paper, you'll need to trim it to a square. A good starting size is around 6x6 inches, but you can adjust according to your preference.

2. To ensure your square is perfectly even, fold the paper in half diagonally, making a crease. Then, unfold and fold it in half the other way diagonally, creating a second crease. These creases will help you accurately trim away any excess paper.

3. Using your scissors (if needed), cut along the horizontal and vertical creases, to form a perfect square. Discard the excess triangular pieces.

Step 2: The Initial Folds

1. Fold the square in half, bringing two opposite corners together. Crease the fold sharply.

2. Unfold the paper. You should now have a crease dividing the square into two equal halves.

3. Fold the square in half again, this time bringing the other two opposite corners together. Crease sharply and unfold. You’ll now have two intersecting creases, dividing the square into four equal quadrants.

Step 3: Creating the Flaps

1. Bring all four corners of the paper to the center point where the creases intersect. You’ll be folding each quadrant into the center, creating a smaller square.

2. Crease each fold firmly.

Step 4: Forming the Fortune Teller

1. With the four corners now folded inward, gently lift one layer of the paper from one of the four sections. This creates a small pocket or flap.

2. Repeat this process for all four sections, lifting one layer at a time.

3. Once you have all four flaps, carefully flatten and adjust the structure to ensure all sides are aligned. You have now created the basic structure of your paper fortune teller.

Step 5: Adding the Numbers

1. On the outside of each of the four main flaps, write a number from 1 to 4. These numbers will correspond to the different fortune categories.

2. Open the fortune teller so that you can see the inside flaps. On each of the eight inner triangular flaps (four pairs), write a different color, animal, or object. These can act as subcategories or simply as a visual element.

Decorating Your Fortune Teller: Unleashing Your Creativity

Now comes the most exciting part: decorating your paper fortune teller! There are endless possibilities to transform this simple game into a personalized work of art. Here are a few ideas:

• Color Coordination: Choose a color scheme and stick to it. This creates a visually pleasing and cohesive design.

• Thematic Designs: Pick a theme, such as animals, holidays, or even your favorite video game. Decorate accordingly.

• Pattern Play: Use patterned papers or create your patterns using markers or crayons. Geometric designs or even simple polka dots can add visual appeal.

• Sticker Mania: Stickers are a fantastic way to add personalized flair. Use themed stickers or simple decorative stickers to enhance your fortune teller.

• Glitter and Glue: Add a touch of sparkle with glitter glue. Use it sparingly, focusing on key areas to avoid cluttering the design.

Remember, the key is to be creative and let your personality shine through in the design.

Writing Your Fortunes: The Heart of the Game

The fortunes you include within the paper fortune teller are the heart of the game. They can be silly, serious, inspirational, or even a little spooky! Here are some tips for writing engaging fortunes:

• Variety is Key: Offer a mix of humorous and insightful fortunes. Include a variety of tones and styles to keep the game interesting.

• Keep it Concise: Fortunes should be short, sweet, and to the point. Avoid long, rambling messages.

• Personalize the Fortunes: If you’re making this for a specific group, tailor the fortunes to their interests and inside jokes.

• Use Rhyme and Rhythm: Rhyming or rhythmic fortunes add a playful touch.

• Types of Fortunes: Consider including different types of fortunes, such as:

  • Predictions: "You will meet someone new this week."
  • Advice: "Follow your heart, even if it leads you astray."
  • Challenges: "Dare to try something outside of your comfort zone."
  • Humorous: "Your superpower is procrastination."

Once you've written your fortunes, neatly write them on the inside triangular flaps of the fortune teller, one fortune per flap.

Playing the Game: Bringing Your Creation to Life

Now that your paper fortune teller is complete, it’s time to play! Here’s how it works:

1. The Chooser: One person holds the fortune teller, opening and closing it.

2. The Selector: Another person chooses a number from 1 to 4 on the outside flaps.

3. The Reveal: The holder of the fortune teller opens the flaps according to the chosen number.

4. The Sub-Category: The inner flaps reveal a color, animal, or object.

5. The Fortune: The chosen number and color/animal/object reveal the specific fortune.

Advanced Techniques & Variations: Expanding Your Fortune-Telling Horizons

Once you’ve mastered the basic paper fortune teller, you can explore more advanced techniques and variations:

• Larger Fortune Tellers: Experiment with different paper sizes to create larger fortune tellers with more intricate designs and fortunes.

• Multiple Layers: Create a more complex version by adding multiple layers of paper, each with a different set of fortunes.

• Personalized Themes: Tailor your fortune tellers to specific events or occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, or school projects.

• Collaborative Creations: Make it a group activity! Have several people collaborate on creating one large, elaborate fortune teller.

• Digital Fortune Tellers: For a modern twist, create a digital version using image editing software.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Paper Fortune Teller

The simple act of making a paper fortune teller is a nostalgic and rewarding experience. This craft transcends age and technological advancements, offering a timeless activity that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative play. The act of crafting and playing with your creation encourages social interaction and offers a delightful way to connect with others. So, gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and embark on the delightful journey of creating your own paper fortune teller. The possibilities are endless, and the fun is guaranteed!