This article was co-authored by Natalie Kay Smith. Natalie Kay Smith is a sustainable fashion writer and the owner of Sustainably Chic, a sustainability-focused blog. Natalie has over 5 years of sustainable fashion and green living writing and has worked with over 400 conscious brands all over the world to show readers fashion can exist responsibly and sustainably.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Finished. AdvertisementAsk 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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Yes, you can use construction paper. Make sure to use a thinner kind, as thicker ones don't really fold well.
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