How To Make A Fortune Teller

Do you have a knack for divination? If so, making a fortune-teller—otherwise known as a "cootie catcher" or "origami fortune teller"—is the perfect way to show off your skills without moving an inch. These paper divination devices are an entertaining and creative way to pass the time with friends and family, and they can even reveal surprising details and advice. Making one is easy and requires minimal supplies, so you can make one anytime you’d like!

Step 1: Start by cutting a square of paper. It should be large enough to cover all of your fingers when they are holding the sides.

Step 2: Fold the square in half diagonally to make a triangle, then unfold.

Step 3: Fold the triangle in half again, this time from corner to corner, and then unfold.

Step 4: Take the two lower corners and fold them up to meet in the middle at the top corner, as pictured.

Step 5: Fold the shape in half.

Step 6: Open the fortune-teller up and write a number in each of the four flaps. It is common to use numbers between one and eight.

Step 7: Turn the fortune-teller over and write four categories of fortunes in the “petals” of the flower. These can be as simple as “Good,” “Bad,” “Maybe,” and “Maybe Not” or can contain more detailed categories such as “Lucky Number,” “Money Outlook,” “Love Life,” and “Career Advice.” It is up to you!

Step 8: For each of the four categories, write eight fortunes. Make sure that each number corresponds to one of the categories. For example, if the number “1” is in the bottom left corner, the first fortune in the “Good” category should go there.

Step 9: Once the fortunes are all written in, the fortune-teller is ready to go! To use it, have someone pick a number, then open and close the flaps that many times. Ask them which category they’d like to know about, and then lift the flap of the remaining petal to reveal their fortune.

Making a fortune-teller is a fun and creative way to imagine the future, learn more about your friends, and practice your fortunetelling skills. With just paper and a pen, you can make a fortune-teller to pass around at parties, take on a road trip, or even give as a thoughtful gift. Try it out today!