How to Make a Paper Destiny Decoder

Transform paper into your very own destiny decoders.

Making paper destiny decoders is a simple craft project that kids of all ages enjoy. Also called fortune tellers or cootie catchers, destiny decoders let kids turn ordinary sheets of paper into endless hours of fun. Destiny decoders are affordable to make and require materials that are usually found around the home or classroom. Whether you're working with classes of kids, birthday parties or spending a rainy afternoon inside, destiny decoders are quick and easy to assemble.

Things You'll Need

• Square or rectangular paper
• Scissors
• Pens, markers or crayons

Instructions

Making the Paper Destiny Decoder

1. Fold paper to create a crease. Start with a square sheet of paper. Take the bottom left corner and fold it towards the top right corner, forming a triangle. Open the triangle to reveal a creased line running diagonally across the center of the square.

2. Fold the paper again to form a point. Take the bottom right corner and fold to the top left, forming another triangle. Open this triangle and you should see overlapping creases with a natural point in the center.

3. Take each of the four corners and fold them inwards, towards the center point. All four corners of the paper should touch in the middle. You should now have a diamond shape, with four triangle flaps. Each triangle flap will be divided into two smaller triangles by the creased lines.

4. Flip the diamond over and fold the four corners in toward the center again, so all points are touching.

5. Write the numbers one through eight inside each triangle. Write the numbers sequentially, so that the numbers go in order around the edge of the diamond shape.

6. Write the fortunes. Lift the triangle flaps and write the fortunes on the base paper beneath (not the underside of the flaps). You should have eight fortunes in total. Make up your own fortunes or use traditional fortunes. Popular predictions include good grades, secret admirers, new friends or new-found wealth. Be as goofy or serious as you want.

7. Flip the diamond shape so that the bottom, unmarked side faces you. There should be four flaps on this side. Write a different color on each flap. You can also draw different colored squares, or write the names of four different shapes, animals, famous people, seasons of the year or any other idea you have.

Playing with the Destiny Decoder

1. Insert your fingers into the underside of the flaps with the colors on them The flaps should form small pockets, making a small peak for each finger. Use your fingers to press the center of the destiny decoder together into a point. The colors will now be on the outside.

2. 

   Kids can play destiny decoder with their friends and classmates.

   Tell a friend to choose one of the squares. Spell the name of the color (or shape or animal, etc.) they chose. For each letter, open and close the destiny decoder, first opening it up one way, then closing it and opening it up the other way; repeat until the spelling is completed so you're left with the decoder open.

3. Tell the friend to pick one of the numbers on the inside of the decoder. Open and close the decoder as you count to that number, in the same manner as the previous step. Repeat this step twice.

4. Instruct your friend to choose a third number. Lift the numbered flap and read your friend the fortune beneath the number.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're using standard 8.5" x 11" letter paper, give this paper a square shape before you begin. Pull one of the bottom corners towards the opposite edge of the paper until it forms a triangle. A section of excess paper will remain at the top.Cut off this remaining section of paper, leaving only the folded triangle. Open the triangle to reveal a square.

References

• MomsMinivan: How to Make a Cootie Catcher
• Squigly's Playhouse: Cootie Catchers