Want to add a touch of fun and whimsy to your next gathering? Learn how to make a classic paper fortune teller, also known as a cootie catcher, a Chinese fortune teller, or a salt cellar! This simple craft is perfect for kids and adults alike, offering endless possibilities for creativity and entertainment. Let's dive in!
Materials You'll Need:
- One square sheet of paper: Any size will do, but a larger sheet (around 8.5 x 8.5 inches or A5) makes it easier to work with. Construction paper or origami paper adds a vibrant touch!
- Pen or colored pencils: To write your fortunes and messages.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Folding the Base
- Start with a square: Ensure your paper is a perfect square. If it's rectangular, trim it to create a square.
- Fold in half: Fold the paper in half diagonally, crease sharply, and unfold.
- Fold in half again: Fold it in half diagonally the other way, crease, and unfold. You should now have an "X" shape formed by the creases.
Step 2: Creating the Flaps
- Fold towards the center: Bring each corner of the paper to the center point where the creases intersect.
- Crease and flatten: Make sharp creases and ensure the flaps lie flat.
Step 3: Second Layer of Folding
- Fold in half: Fold the entire structure in half, bringing two opposite corners together. Crease well.
- Fold in half again: Fold it in half again, bringing the remaining two corners together. Crease sharply.
Step 4: The Fortune Teller's Pockets
- Open the flaps: Open the top layer of the folded paper to form a flat square. You should now see eight triangular sections.
- Number the sections: On the outside of four alternating triangular sections, write numbers 1-4.
- Color-coding: You can optionally color-code the sections for extra visual appeal.
Step 5: Adding Your Fortunes
- Open the inner flaps: Open the inner flaps (the ones you didn't number). You’ll have 8 small squares formed on the inside.
- Write your fortunes: In each of the eight small squares, write a short message, prediction, or a fun fact. These can be silly, serious, or whatever suits your theme! Examples include: "You will have a great day!", "Go on an adventure!", "You'll find a hidden treasure!", "Expect a surprise!"
Step 6: Playing the Game!
- Hold the fortune teller: Hold the folded paper, with the numbered side facing up.
- Choose a number: Let someone choose a number (1-4).
- Open and close: Open and close the fortune teller according to the chosen number.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 2-3 with the newly revealed numbers until a final fortune is revealed.
Tips and Variations:
- Themes: Choose a theme for your fortunes, such as animals, holidays, or colors, to add extra fun.
- Decorate: Get creative! Decorate your fortune teller with stickers, markers, glitter, or washi tape.
- Make it a gift: A personalized fortune teller makes a unique and thoughtful gift.
Why This Craft is Great:
This classic game is a fantastic way to:
- Boost creativity: Encourage imaginative thinking and storytelling.
- Improve fine motor skills: Perfect for developing dexterity, especially in children.
- Enhance social interaction: A great icebreaker for parties and gatherings.
- Provide entertainment: Offers hours of fun for all ages!
Now go forth and create your own amazing paper fortune tellers! Have fun and let the fortunes flow!
