How To Make The Paper Fortune Teller

How to Make a Paper Fortune Teller: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners and Beyond

Want to unleash your inner child and create a classic paper fortune teller? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from choosing your materials to crafting intricate designs and filling it with personalized fortunes. We'll cover everything you need to know to become a paper fortune teller pro, perfect for parties, classrooms, or simply a fun afternoon activity. This article is packed with tips, tricks, and variations, ensuring you can create the perfect paper fortune teller, no matter your skill level.

What is a Paper Fortune Teller?

Also known as a cootie catcher, chatterbox, or salt cellar (depending on your region), a paper fortune teller is a foldable paper toy that reveals a message or fortune based on the user's choices. Its simple construction and interactive nature make it a timeless classic, loved by children and adults alike. This simple craft offers a fantastic opportunity to develop fine motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

Materials You'll Need:

• Square Sheet of Paper: An 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper works perfectly, but you can use any size square paper. The larger the square, the larger your fortune teller will be. Consider using colorful construction paper, origami paper, or even decorative scrapbook paper for a more visually appealing result.
• Pen or Pencil: To write your fortunes and decorate your fortune teller.
• Ruler (Optional): For precise folding, especially helpful for beginners.
• Scissors (Optional): To create a perfectly square sheet from a rectangular one.
• Decorative Elements (Optional): Stickers, markers, crayons, glitter – unleash your creativity!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Paper Fortune Teller

Let's dive into the step-by-step process of creating your very own paper fortune teller. We'll break it down into manageable steps, making it easy even for those with limited crafting experience.

Step 1: Preparing Your Square Paper

• From Rectangular to Square: If you're starting with a rectangular sheet of paper (like standard printer paper), you'll need to make it square. Align one corner with the opposite side, forming a triangle. Cut off the excess rectangle. You'll now have a perfect square.
• Choosing Your Paper: The type of paper you choose influences the final look and feel of your fortune teller. Thicker paper will be more durable, while thinner paper allows for more intricate folds. Experiment to find your favorite!

Step 2: Initial Folds

• Fold in Half: Fold your square sheet of paper in half, bringing two opposite corners together. Crease the fold sharply and unfold.
• Fold in Half Again: Fold the paper in half again, using the opposite corners this time. Crease sharply and unfold. You should now have two creases forming an "X" across your square.

Step 3: Creating the Flaps

• Fold Corners to the Center: Bring each corner of the paper to the center point where the creases intersect. Crease each fold firmly.
• Turn and Repeat: Turn the paper over and repeat the process, bringing the four new corners to the center. You should now have eight triangles.

Step 4: Forming the Base

• Fold in Half: Fold the paper in half, bringing one side to the other.
• Tuck in Flaps: Gently press down on the center of your paper. You should see eight triangular flaps pointing outwards. Gently tuck the top flap behind the bottom flap to secure the base of your fortune teller. Repeat this process on the other side. This creates the basic structure of your fortune teller.

Step 5: Decorating Your Fortune Teller

• Outer Flaps: On the large outer flaps of your fortune teller, write a letter or number on each of the four flaps. These will represent the user's choices. (e.g., A, B, C, D or 1, 2, 3, 4).
• Inner Flaps: Now, open up each of the smaller inner flaps. You will have eight triangles. On each of these smaller triangles, write a color or a number. These will dictate which fortune the user receives.

Step 6: Writing Your Fortunes

• Inside: Open up your fortune teller again and write a fortune inside each of the eight triangular sections created in the previous step. Be creative and fun with your fortunes! These can be predictions, jokes, dares, or advice.

Step 7: Playing the Game

1. Have someone hold the fortune teller and choose one of the four letters or numbers on the outer flaps.
2. Then, open the fortune teller to the chosen letter.
3. Have the person choose one of the colors or numbers on the inner flaps.
4. Open the fortune teller to the chosen color or number.
5. Read the fortune revealed on the inside.

Tips and Tricks for Creating Amazing Paper Fortune Tellers:

• Use Different Paper Types: Experiment with different paper types to achieve different effects. Cardstock offers a more durable option, while thin decorative paper allows for more elaborate designs.
• Add Embellishments: Personalize your fortune teller with stickers, glitter, markers, or even small drawings. Let your creativity shine!
• Themed Fortunes: Create themed fortune tellers – for example, a Halloween fortune teller with spooky fortunes or a birthday fortune teller with fun birthday wishes.
• Complex Designs: Once you master the basics, try creating more intricate designs on your paper before folding.
• Collaborative Creation: Make creating a fortune teller a group activity – everyone can contribute ideas for fortunes and decorations.
• Digital Fortune Tellers: For a modern twist, you can create a digital fortune teller using design software and even add interactive elements.

Variations and Creative Ideas:

• Multiple Fortune Tellers: Create several fortune tellers with different themes and combine them for an even more interactive game.
• Personalized Fortunes: Write fortunes specific to the people who will be playing the game.
• Dare Fortune Teller: Instead of fortunes, include dares or challenges for a fun and exciting game.
• Advice Fortune Teller: Fill your fortune teller with helpful advice, inspirational quotes, or words of wisdom.
• Interactive Story Fortune Teller: Each choice leads to the next chapter of a story.

Conclusion:

Creating a paper fortune teller is a simple yet rewarding activity that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and fun. With this comprehensive guide, you're well-equipped to make your own and even impress your friends and family. Remember to experiment with different designs, paper types, and fortune ideas to personalize your creations. Let the fun begin! So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the process of creating your very own personalized paper fortune teller. It's a fun activity for all ages and a great way to add a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to any occasion. Now go forth and create!