How to Make a Paper Fortune Telling Toy
Have you ever wondered how to make origami paper fortune-tellers from your elementary school years? Are you a student who wants to be in the loop? These introductory-level paper crafts are simple to make and make a great party trick when you wow friends by divining their fortunes. Also commonly known as cootie-catchers, origami fortune tellers are an easy-to-make pastime for children.
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Things You'll Need
- Sheet of 8.5 x 11 or A4 paper
- Scissors
- Decorative supplies (i.e. pencil, markers, construction paper, etc.)
Instructions
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1
Align your paper vertically on the table in front of you. Grab the top-left corner and fold it down to the right side until the top edge of the page is flush with the right edge.
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2
There should be a wide rectangle sticking out at the bottom of the page. Cut this off so that it is even with the bottom edge of the fold to leave a square folded in half into a right triangle. Discard the rectangle.
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3
Fold one of the small corners across to meet the other one. The square of paper should now be folded in half twice.
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4
Unfold the paper. You should have a square with creases from each of the corners to the center. Fold the corners in so that they meet in the center.
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5
Flip the paper over. Fold the corners once more so that they meet in the center.
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6
Fold the paper in half perpendicularly to its sides, not from corner to corner as before. Work your thumbs and forefingers underneath the four flaps. The fortune teller should be able to open both vertically and horizontally.
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7
Write choices for each level on the 4 outside flaps, the 8 inner triangles, and fortunes underneath each triangle (see below for suggestions on how to coordinate your fortune teller).
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Tips & Warnings
The fortune teller has 3 levels: The 1st level of the 4 outer flaps, the 2nd level of 8 right triangles inside, and the 3rd level of 8 fortunes underneath and corresponding to the 8 2nd-level triangles. Fortunes are divined by selection from the first level choices, 4 available 2nd level choices based on the results of the 1st level, and then the 4 fortunes underneath that are selected by the 2nd level choice.
To simplify, assume the outer flaps are represented by 4 colors. Upon choosing red, open the fortune teller horizontally and then vertically as you spell out each letter of the word "red." R (open vertically), E (open horizontally), and D (open vertically again). Four inner choices are visible, often represented by numbers. When the subject chooses one of them, fold the choice up to reveal the fortune inside.
There are many variations on the choices available. Try using colors, ages, names, and numbers, and don't forget to decorate accordingly.
