How to Make a Fortune Teller: Step-by-Step Guide to Origami and More

I. Introduction

Have you ever wondered how to make a fortune teller? You may remember playing with one as a child – it’s a fun and interactive way to predict your future, or just waste some time with your friends. With the help of this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to make your very own fortune teller in no time. Whether you want to fold a simple paper fortune teller or a more complex origami version, we’ve got you covered.

II. Step-by-Step Instructions

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make a fortune teller, this section is for you. Here are the materials you’ll need:

• 1 sheet of square paper
• Scissors (optional)

Follow these steps:

1. Begin by folding the paper in half diagonally, both ways.
2. Unfold the paper and fold each corner towards the center.
3. Flip the paper over and fold each corner towards the center again.
4. Fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically, creasing it each time.
5. Tuck your fingers inside the flaps and pinch them together to create your fortune teller.

For a more durable fortune teller, use cardstock or laminate your paper before folding. You can also trim the edges with scissors to make them neater.

III. Origami Instructions

If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can use the traditional Japanese art of origami to make your fortune teller. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 square sheet of origami paper
• Scissors
• Pen or marker

Follow these steps:

1. Begin by folding the paper in half diagonally, both ways.
2. Unfold the paper and fold each corner to the center.
3. Flip the paper over and fold each corner to the center again.
4. Fold the top and bottom edges to meet at the center crease.
5. Fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically, creasing it each time.
6. Open the flaps and tuck your fingers in to form the fortune teller.
7. Use your scissors to cut off the pointed tips of the flaps.
8. Write your fortunes or messages on the exposed triangles.

Here’s a helpful video tutorial to assist:

IV. History and Meaning

Fortune tellers have been around for generations, with the earliest examples dating back to ancient China. Different cultures have their own versions of the fortune teller, ranging from animal bones to Tarot cards. The fortune teller traditionally predicts the future, but can also be used as a game or a decision maker.

Here’s how to make a traditional cootie catcher:

1. Fold an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper in half vertically, then unfold.
2. Fold the paper in half horizontally, then unfold.
3. Turn the paper over, and fold each corner towards the center.
4. Flip the paper over again and fold each corner towards the center again.
5. Pinch together the folded flaps to create your fortune teller.

V. Decorating Your Fortune Teller

Once you’ve made your fortune teller, you’ll want to decorate it to make it truly your own. You can use markers, stickers, washi tape, glitter glue – the possibilities are endless. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Use a pencil to sketch out your design lightly.
• Color in your design using your chosen materials.
• Let the ink or glue dry completely before folding the fortune teller.

VI. Using Your Fortune Teller

Now that you’ve made and decorated your own fortune teller, it’s time to use it. Here’s how:

• Hold the fortune teller with your fingertips inside the flaps.
• Ask your friend to choose a color from the exposed triangles.
• Spell out the color, opening and closing the fortune teller for each letter.
• Ask them to choose a number from the new exposed triangles.
• Count out the number, and repeat the process with the final triangle.
• Read the fortune or message written on the inside of the final flap.

Here are some suggested questions to ask:

• What will happen to me tomorrow?
• What will I be when I grow up?
• Who will I marry?
• What is my lucky number?
• What is my fate?

VII. Fortune Teller Games

There are a variety of games you can play with your fortune teller. Here are a few:

• The classic fortune teller game, as described above.
• Truth or Dare: write truth questions or dares on the exposed triangles.
• Fortune Quiz: write trivia questions on the inside of each flap.
• Love Match: write names of potential crushes on the exposed triangles.
• Decision Maker: write different options on each flap, and use the fortune teller to choose.

Don’t be afraid to personalize your fortune teller to suit your needs.

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, making a fortune teller is a fun and easy activity that can be done with just a sheet of paper and some creativity. Whether you fold a simple cootie catcher or challenge yourself with origami, the result is always satisfying. Remember to decorate your fortune teller to make it truly your own, and enjoy asking and answering questions with your friends.