What Is Paper Folding
Paper folding is the process of creating a paper sculpture from a flat square sheet of paper using different folding and sculpting techniques. And if you want to know how to make a fortune teller – read our guide.
The art of paper folding originated in medieval China where it was referred to by the name “Zhezhi”. Later, it was popularized in the 20th century by Japanese paper Artist Akira Yoshizawa. In Japan the art is called “Origami”. While Chinese paper folding consists of objects like hats and boats, Japanese origami concentrates on flowers and animals.
The use of glue and marking is discouraged. The paper used for Origami is called “Origami paper” and it weighs less than copy paper, which makes it easier to use for Origami as it allows a wider range of sculptures. One of the more popular Origami models is the Japanese paper crane. Other popular models include the lotus flower, butterfly, swan, hat, tulip flower, envelope wallet and others.
What Is a Fortune Teller
A paper fortune teller is a model of Origami. It is used in games and the flaps are labeled with different colors and numbers, each of which the player is able to choose from. Inside the fortune teller there are eight triangle flaps with concealed messages. They could either be questions, answers or wishes, sometimes based on zodiac signs and birth charts.
The player who operates the fortune teller makes shifts in the model depending on the choices of the other player. The outside of the fortune teller has a number or a color. It is opened and closed throughout the game. In the end, the reveal is a hidden message. The messages could either be questions which the player has to answer and activities that must be performed in the game or messages which declare the player’s fortune.
The fortune teller is also referred to as a Cootie catcher. You will learn how to make a cootie catcher in the following section.
How To Make a Fortune Teller – Instructions
Having a fortune to go is a fun way to keep yourself and your friends entertained. It can be a way to predict someone’s future or play games involving questions and activities.
So, if you ever wanted to learn how to make origami fortune teller, this is the ideal tutorial for you.
What you need for a Fortune teller:
- An 8.5×11 inch sheet of Origami or copy paper.
- Colored markers or pencils to color the four squares of the fortune teller.
- Pen or pencil to write the messages on the eight triangles inside.
How To Make A Fortune Teller – Steps
The tutorial will show you how to fold a fortune teller.
Step 1
The first step is to lay the paper on a flat surface.
Step 2
The second step is to fold the left top corner until its edge is in line with the side which is opposite of it. It has to look like a trapezoid.
Step 3
After that, discard the rectangle on the right of the paper either with a scissor or through folding the paper multiple times until it tears along the folded line.
Step 4
The result should be a square which is perfectly folded in half forming a triangle.
Step 5
Create another fold going in the corners which do not currently have a fold to the opposite corner.
Step 6
The result should be a square which has two intersecting folds along its diagonals, which form four identical triangles.
Step 7
Turn the paper over and take the four corners. Later, fold them inwards toward the center of the paper.
Step 8
The result of it should be a smaller square.
Step 9
Write down the numbers 1 to 9 on the outside triangles of the new smaller square.
Step 10
Turn the paper upside down and using markers color each one of the four squares using a different color.
Step 11
Fold the paper in half on the colored side.
Step 12
Push the two corners inwards until a cross is formed.
Step 13
Bring out the corners from each side as shown in the picture.
Step 14
Turn the paper upside down and voila – the fortune teller is completed.
Ideas To Write
Now that your fortune teller is created, here are some ideas to write:
Magic 8 Ball
In this game the fortune teller answers any yes or no questions you have.
Draw the 8 ball on the four colored squares. The messages in the eight triangles inside of the fortune teller should include answers like:
- “Maybe, maybe not”
- “No”
- “For sure”
- “It’s your destiny”
- “Don’t count on it”
- “Who knows?”
- “Yes”
- “You wish”
Lucky Cookie Paper Fortune Teller
For this game, instead of answers the eight triangles inside of the fortune teller should have wishes. So, here are some good ideas:
- “Welcome change”
- ”Luck will come your way”
- “Patience is your ally in the moment”
- “Your glory will be rocky but fulfilling”
- “Your drive will push you to do your best”
- “The real kindness comes from within you”
- “A new romance is in the future”
- “Follow your heart”
Ice Breaker Fortune Teller
This game is great to play when meeting someone new. It will help you break the ice and get to know the other person/people better. In order to create it, write down the following questions in the eight triangles inside the fortune cookie.
- “What is your favorite color?”
- “Do you prefer rock or pop music”
- “What is your favorite place?”
- “What is your favorite food?”
- “Do you prefer cats or dogs?”
- “What is your favorite book?”
- “What is your favorite movie?”
There are various ideas for paper folding games to play. So, creating a fortune teller is easy and it can be a great way to get to know people and make new friends or have fun with anyone you already know.
Finally, a fortune teller can easily brighten up your day and give you a meaningful message to look forward to.
