Who Else Made These Back In The Day’s?

Origami fortune tellers are the classic paper “choose-a-color, pick-a-number” game that opens and closes in your hands. With one square sheet of paper, you can make a fun little predictor for parties, classrooms, or just killing time with friends.

What You’ll Need

• 1 square sheet of paper (origami paper is ideal, but any square works)
• A pen or marker (for writing colors, numbers, and fortunes)

Important: If you only have rectangular paper (like printer paper), cut it into a square first.

How to Fold It (8 Simple Steps)

1. Start with a square sheet (color side down if it’s two-sided).
2. Fold in half (left to right), crease, then unfold.
3. Fold in half (top to bottom), crease, then unfold. You should see a cross crease.
4. Fold all four corners to the center point and press creases firmly.
5. Flip the paper over.
6. Again, fold all four corners to the center (smaller square).
7. Fold in half, crease, unfold; rotate and repeat (this helps it “pop” open smoothly).
8. Slide your thumbs and index fingers under the flaps, pinch inward, and open/close to form the fortune teller.

Pro tip: The secret to a fortune teller that moves cleanly is sharp creases. Take a second to press each fold flat.

How to Set Up the Game (What to Write Where)

A standard fortune teller has three “layers” of writing:

1) Outside (Top Layer): Colors or Categories

On the four outer triangles, write 4 colors (or themes like “School,” “Friends,” “Sports,” “Weekend”).

Examples:

• Red, Blue, Green, Yellow
• Truth, Dare, Funny, Lucky (keep it friendly)

2) Inside: Numbers

Open it once to the inside triangles and write numbers 1–8 (or 1–6 if you want fewer options).
Important: Make sure the numbers are easy to see when the fortune teller is open.

3) Under the Flaps: Fortunes (or Challenges)

Lift each flap and write a short message underneath.

Examples (keep them positive and simple):

• “You’ll get good news soon.”
• “A small kindness you do today comes back fast.”
• “Try something new this week.”
• “Text a friend you miss.”

How to Play (Step-by-Step)

1. One person holds the fortune teller and asks: “Pick a color.”
2. Spell the color while opening and closing it (one movement per letter).
3. Then say: “Pick a number.”
4. Move it open/close that many times.
5. Ask for one final number (or let them pick a flap), then lift the chosen flap and read the message.

Important: Keep the movements steady and don’t “cheat” by steering the choice—half the fun is that it feels random.

Quick Troubleshooting

• If it won’t open smoothly: re-crease Step 7 (fold/unfold both directions again).
• If it’s bulky: your corners may not be hitting the center—align carefully in Steps 4 and 6.
• If it tears: use slightly thicker paper or press creases gently instead of forcing.