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This article will explain how to make a cootie catcher, also known as a paper fortune teller, chatterbox, salt cellar, or whirlybird. These are very good boredom busters, and are easy to make.
Steps
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Prepare your paper. To make a fortune teller/cootie catcher/chatterbox, you must use a piece of paper that is in the shape of a square, like origami paper . If you have a rectangular piece of paper, you can fold it into a square and cut off the excess. To do this, fold one corner of the paper diagonally across until the edges line up. There should be a long rectangular piece of unfolded paper left on the bottom, which should be removed by cutting or tearing.- You can always use leftover shipping paper, if you'd like. Just make sure that it's cut in the shape of a square!
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Decorate one side if you want to.Advertisement
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Fold your paper lengthwise. With your paper now in the shape of a square, fold it in half so that the edges line up and you’re left with a rectangular shape. Crease the edge so that the fold is defined and secure. Then, unfold the paper back into the shape of a square.
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Fold your paper widthwise. When your paper has been unfolded back into its original square shape, fold it in half again but this time in the opposite direction of the previous fold. Crease the fold to keep it in place, and then unfold the square again. The square should have a large ‘X’ going through the center of it now.
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Fold the corners in towards the center. Work your way around the square, folding each of the corners in towards the center. There should be a rather defined center point as a result of your previous folding, so matching up the four corners in the center should be easy. You should be left with a (folded, obviously) smaller square/diamond shape.
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Flip the paper over, and fold the corners in again. Flip your folded paper over so that the previously folded corners are facing downwards, and the flat, smooth top side of the paper is facing you. Repeat the aforementioned step of folding all the corners inward to meet at the center. This will once again leave you with a smaller square/diamond shape.
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Fold the paper in half again in each direction. Your cootie catcher is in the final stages of folding! Before you finish up the main shape, reassert the creases by folding the paper in half in both directions. This will make the cootie catcher easier to open up.
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Pull the tabs towards you. Flip the paper back over, and there should be four small squares that are formed and are open at the corners. Pull these outwards, and the center should fold inwards a bit. Insert your fingers into the empty spaces, and you should be finished! [1] X Research source
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Add your fortunes and information to the cootie catcher. Typically there are three main sections of the cootie catcher that need to be labeled. When you are holding the catcher, each of the four corner tabs should be labeled with a color. When you flatten out the catcher, the inside tabs should be labeled on the outside with a number. Lastly, each of the inner tabs should be labeled with a fortune/note (under a corresponding number) to be read when opened up. [2] X Research source
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Finished.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I use a cootie catcher?Community AnswerAsk the player to pick a color, then spell the color's name. With each letter switch the cootie catcher's visible numbers by opening and closing your hand. once the color is spelled, ask them for a number. Count to that number, opening and closing your hand for each number counted. Do this again with a different number of their choosing. Then when done counting this number, open the corresponding flap.
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QuestionWould it be a bad idea to rig it to tell my crush I like them?Community AnswerNot at all, I think that's a very cute idea.
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QuestionCould I use construction paper?Community AnswerYes, you can use construction paper. Make sure to use a thinner kind, as thicker ones don't really fold well.
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Tips
- You can experiment with very large cootie catchers and very small ones.Thanks
- Make sure that the flaps are folded gently.Thanks
- If you want to make miniature ones, don't use Post-its. The sticky edge will just get in the way while you fold and when you play.Thanks
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Warnings
- These are not meant to offend any religion or religious views, these are for entertainment only.Thanks
- Make sure the fortunes you put in your fortune teller won't make anyone upset. (so funny comments don't make the person feel bad!)Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- A square piece of paper
- Scissors
- A pencil/pen
- Crayons, markers, paint
References
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,187,510 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I just needed a quick reminder as to how to make this fortune teller, which I've recapped easily and have learned other names that it's called, as well as a few new ideas on how to jazz the final piece up. " ..." more
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"I just needed a quick reminder as to how to make this fortune teller, which I've recapped easily and have learned other names that it's called, as well as a few new ideas on how to jazz the final piece up. "
..."
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"I'm planning my wedding, and saw cootie catchers being used as programs on Pinterest. Those are sold for a shocking amount. Now I can make my own."
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"This was very helpful and I learned how to make a cootie fortune in minutes (after I had eventually got a square piece of paper). "
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"This helped very much. I'm glad there were step-by-step clips to help, and even a written description! "
"Thank you for making this article. It really helped a lot! Now I can play a very fun game."
