The cootie catcher, also known as a fortune teller, is a fun and nostalgic paper craft that has entertained children for generations. It’s simple to make, requires only a square piece of paper, and can be customized with colors, numbers, and messages. Whether you’re looking for a rainy day activity, a classroom icebreaker, or a fun way to share fortunes with friends, learning how to make a cootie catcher is a great skill. With a few folds and some creative thinking, you can create an interactive and personalized game that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin folding, make sure you have the following supplies ready. These basic materials are all that’s required to make a cootie catcher by hand.
- One sheet of square paper (preferably 6×6 inches or 15×15 cm)
- Pencil or pen for writing messages
- Optional: markers or crayons for decorating
- Flat surface for folding
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Start with a Square Sheet of Paper
If your paper isn’t already square, you can make it square by folding one corner diagonally across to the opposite edge, creating a triangle. Cut off the excess strip at the bottom. Open the triangle and you now have a square piece of paper, perfect for creating a cootie catcher.
Step 2: Fold the Square in Half Diagonally
Take your square paper and fold it diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner, forming a triangle. Crease the fold well, then unfold it. Repeat with the other two corners so you end up with an X crease pattern on the paper.
Step 3: Fold All Four Corners Toward the Center
Now fold each of the four corners into the center point of the square. This will create a smaller square shape with the flaps folded in. Press all folds firmly to ensure clean, sharp lines. This is the foundation of your cootie catcher.
Step 4: Flip the Paper Over
Once all corners are folded to the center, turn the paper over so the folded flaps are facing down. You should now be looking at a smooth square with no flaps visible.
Step 5: Fold the Corners to the Center Again
Just like before, fold each corner toward the center of the square. This will result in an even smaller square. Crease the folds sharply, as this structure will allow the cootie catcher to move properly when used.
Step 6: Fold the Square in Half Horizontally and Vertically
Fold the square in half horizontally, crease it, then unfold. Do the same vertically. These folds make the cootie catcher flexible and easier to open and close during use.
Step 7: Form the Pockets for Your Fingers
Now comes the final step. With the square folded, gently insert your thumbs and index fingers into the four flaps underneath the square. As you push your fingers in, the cootie catcher will naturally puff up and take its final form. You should be able to move the corners in and out using your fingers.
Customizing Your Cootie Catcher
Once you’ve folded your cootie catcher, it’s time to personalize it. Traditionally, cootie catchers are used to tell fortunes, reveal funny outcomes, or ask questions. Use your imagination to add your own twist.
Step 1: Number the Outer Flaps
On the outside flaps of the cootie catcher, write a number on each of the four triangular faces. Common choices are 1 through 8. You can also decorate these flaps with colors, symbols, or even doodles for a more playful design.
Step 2: Label the Inner Triangles
Open each flap and write something underneath this can be a fortune, fun dare, trivia question, or silly sentence. Some classic fortune ideas include:
- You will have a lucky day!
- A surprise is coming your way.
- You’ll make a new friend soon.
- Your creativity will shine today.
You can write anything you like, depending on your audience. Kids might enjoy jokes or cartoon-themed messages, while teens and adults might prefer personalized affirmations or challenges.
Step 3: Add Color and Creativity
Use colored markers or pens to make your cootie catcher more visually appealing. Assign each outer flap a color or draw fun patterns. Adding these creative touches makes the game more engaging and lets your personality shine through.
How to Use a Cootie Catcher
Once your cootie catcher is fully folded and decorated, it’s ready for play. The game is typically played with two people, one operating the cootie catcher and the other choosing numbers or colors.
Basic Instructions:
- Ask your friend to choose a number or color from the top flaps.
- Move the cootie catcher in and out, alternating directions as you count to the number they picked.
- Ask them to pick one of the visible inner triangles.
- Lift that flap and read the message underneath.
This simple yet interactive game encourages creativity and can be adapted for any age group. Teachers often use cootie catchers in classrooms to reinforce vocabulary, math facts, or historical facts. They’re also great for parties, team-building activities, and just having fun.
Tips for Success
Making a cootie catcher is straightforward, but here are a few tips to make the process even smoother:
- Use thinner paper for easier folding and manipulation.
- Make sharp creases by pressing down with your fingernail or the edge of a ruler.
- If your folds are uneven, refold carefully before writing your messages.
- Practice opening and closing the cootie catcher a few times before playing.
The more precise your folds, the better the cootie catcher will work during gameplay.
Alternative Uses and Variations
While traditionally used for fortune telling, cootie catchers can be customized for many different purposes. Try these variations for fun and learning:
- Educational quizzes: Include math problems, vocabulary words, or science facts under the flaps.
- Icebreaker games: Write fun questions like What’s your favorite food? or If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
- Daily affirmations: Include positive messages to uplift your mood each day.
- Birthday party games: Use as party favors or mini-games with themed messages or challenges.
The beauty of the cootie catcher is its versatility. With just paper and imagination, you can turn it into a playful tool for any occasion.
Learning how to make a cootie catcher is not only a fun and easy craft, but also a way to spark creativity, engage in social interaction, and enjoy a bit of nostalgia. With a few simple folds and some creative messages, you can transform an ordinary piece of paper into a game that entertains and delights. Whether you’re making one for fun, learning, or connection, a cootie catcher is a timeless activity that continues to bring smiles to people of all ages.