How to Make a Fortune Teller: A Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever heard of a fortune teller? This classic childhood craft provides fun for all ages and can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you’re bored at home or looking for ideas for a party game, a fortune teller is the perfect solution. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a fortune teller from start to finish, explore its history, provide examples of things to write on it, compare different types of fortune tellers, and give tips on how to read and interpret its predictions.
Materials Needed to Make a Fortune Teller
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather the materials you’ll need. Most of these items can be found around your house.
- Square piece of paper (8.5 x 8.5 inches or larger)
- Scissors
- Markers, pens, or colored pencils
- Optional: Stickers, glitter, or other decorations
Once you have these materials ready, you can move on to the next step.
Templates for a Fortune Teller
You can make a fortune teller from any square piece of paper, but if you’re new to this, you might want to use a template. There are plenty of designs available online that you can print out and follow. Here is an example:
Alternatively, you can create your own template by drawing a square and dividing it into 16 smaller squares. Then, number each square and add a different color to each section to make it easier for players to select their fate.
Instructions on Folding and Decorating
Once you have your paper and template, it’s time to start folding. Here are the steps:
- Fold the paper in half diagonally, crease, and unfold.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally in the other direction, crease, and unfold.
- Fold each corner toward the center of the paper, crease, and unfold.
- Flip the paper over and fold each corner toward the center of the paper, crease, and unfold.
- Fold the paper in half horizontally and then vertically, crease, and unfold.
- Pinch the four corners of the paper, folding it into a smaller square.
- Fold the small square in half vertically and then horizontally.
- Push your fingers into the folds to create four pockets.
- Fold the paper in half diagonally, pinch the middle, and push your fingers into the pockets.
- Your fortune teller is now complete!
You can now decorate the outside with markers, stickers, glitter, or any other decorations that you like. Remember to number the sections and add colors as per your template.
The History of Fortune Telling
Fortune telling has been around for hundreds of years and has taken on many different forms. The fortune teller we know and love today, also called a cootie catcher or a chatterbox, originated in Japan in the 1920s. It was known as a “tutu” or “tuttie” and was used as a children’s toy.
In Europe, fortune telling was more mystically oriented, with people using tarot cards, crystal balls, and other divination tools to predict the future. Gypsies were often associated with fortune telling, and many of them traveled throughout Europe in the 19th century.
Today, fortune telling has evolved to include online fortune tellers, magic 8 balls, and other forms of divination.
Things to Write on the Fortune Teller
While fortune tellers are traditionally used to predict the future, you can also use them in creative ways. Here are some examples:
- Write funny sayings or jokes
- Write inspiring quotes
- Use it as a decision maker for games
- Write prompts for creative writing
- Personalize it with inside jokes or memories
The possibilities are endless, so get creative with it!
Comparing Different Types of Fortune Tellers
While paper fortune tellers are the classic option, there are other types of fortune tellers out there. Here’s a breakdown of a few popular options:
- Paper fortune tellers: These are great for hands-on fun and can be customized in countless ways. Paper fortune tellers are also travel-friendly and can be used just about anywhere.
- Online fortune tellers: These are perfect for those who prefer to stay indoors and use technology. Online fortune tellers often use software to generate predictions, and they can be found in a variety of formats, such as quizzes or games.
- Magic 8 balls: These are a popular toy that provide a yes or no answer to any question. While they don’t allow for customization, they can be a fun option for quick decision-making.
While each type of fortune teller has its pros and cons, it’s up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
How to Read and Interpret the Fortune Teller
Now that you have your fortune teller made and personalized with fun phrases, you’re ready to start having fun with it. Here are some tips on how to use it effectively:
- Have the player pick a color from the outside of the fortune teller, and spell out the color while opening and closing the fortune teller in sequence. For example: “B-L-U-E.”
- Have the player pick a number from the inside of the fortune teller, and count to that number while opening and closing the fortune teller in sequence. For example: “1-2-3-4.”
- Have the player pick another number from the inside of the fortune teller, and open up the flap to reveal their fortune or prediction.
The fortune teller can give a wide range of answers depending on what you’ve written inside. Here’s a breakdown of some of the meanings behind different sections:
- Love
- Career
- Travel
- Happiness
- Money
- Friendship
- Health
- School
It’s up to you to decide how to interpret the fortunes given by the fortune teller.
Conclusion
Overall, making a fortune teller is an easy and enjoyable craft for all ages. You can use it for entertainment at parties or as a tool for decision-making and creative writing prompts. The history of fortune telling is rich, and the different types of fortune tellers available today offer endless possibilities.
