Want to add some fun and whimsy to your next gathering? A fortune teller, also known as a cootie catcher, is a simple paper craft that's perfect for parties, classrooms, or just a bit of playful entertainment. This guide will walk you through the steps of making your own, complete with tips and tricks for creating truly captivating fortunes!
Materials You'll Need:
- One square sheet of paper: 8.5 x 11 inch printer paper works great, but you can use any size square paper you have on hand. Feel free to get creative with colors and patterns!
- Pen or pencil: To write your fortunes and categories.
- Scissors (optional): While not strictly necessary, scissors can make the folding process a little neater.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Creating the Base
- Fold in half: Fold your square piece of paper in half diagonally, creating a triangle. Crease the fold sharply.
- Fold again: Fold the triangle in half again, creating a smaller triangle. Crease well.
- Open it up: Unfold the paper back to the original square shape. You should now have two creases forming an "X" across your paper.
Step 2: Creating the Flaps
- Fold to the center: Fold each corner of the square to the center point where the creases meet.
- Turn it over: Flip the paper over.
- Repeat: Fold each of the four new corners to the center point again. You should now have a smaller square.
Step 3: The Finishing Touches
- Fold in half: Fold the smaller square in half, either horizontally or vertically. Crease firmly.
- Open and Label: Open the fortune teller. You'll see eight triangles. On the outside of each of the four large triangles, write a category (e.g., "Love," "Career," "Friends," "Fun").
- Add Fortunes: On the inside of each of the eight smaller triangles, write a fortune or prediction that relates to the category on the outside.
Tips for Extra Fun:
- Get creative with your fortunes: Write funny, insightful, or even slightly spooky fortunes. The more creative, the better!
- Use themed paper: For holidays or specific events, use themed paper or decorate your fortune teller with stickers or markers.
- Make it collaborative: Get friends or family involved in creating the fortunes and categories for a truly personalized experience.
- Decorate the outside: Don't just limit your designs to the inside! Add drawings or embellishments to the outside flaps to make it even more unique.
Beyond the Basics:
This simple craft opens a world of possibilities! You can adapt the design and add your own personal touches. Get inspired and create your own unique fortune teller! Experiment with different shapes, colors, and themes. The possibilities are truly endless!
FAQ:
Q: What other names are used for this paper craft?
A: Besides "fortune teller," it's also known as a cootie catcher, chatterbox, salt cellar, or even a whirlybird (depending on how you play with it).
Q: Can I use different sizes of paper?
A: Absolutely! Larger paper will create a bigger fortune teller, while smaller paper will make a more compact version.
Q: What if I make a mistake?
A: Don't worry! Simply unfold your paper and start again. It's a forgiving craft, perfect for experimentation.
So grab your paper and get crafting! Making a fortune teller is a fun and easy activity that will bring joy and laughter to all who participate. Let the fortunes begin!
