In this guide, we learn how to fold this traditional fortune teller. The fortune teller is a classic paper device that can provide answers to many of life’s silly but significant questions.
This easy origami fold is considered very can be completed within 2 to 4 minutes.
Let’s get folding!
In this guide, I’ll be using a multicolor piece of origami paper, with color (light purple) on one side and white on the other. However, you can get away with any color paper.
You can make a regular sheet of paper square if you don’t have any.
1. Flip over origami paper, so the white side is up
Begin by flipping your multicolor origami paper over to expose the white side up.
If you are using single-colored paper, skip this step.
2. Fold the paper in half diagonally and unfold
Next, fold the paper in half diagonally, bringing the bottom left corner to the top right corner. Then unfold, leaving behind a diagonal crease.
3. Fold the paper in half diagonally in the opposite direction and unfold
Once again, fold the paper in half diagonally in the opposite direction and then unfold, leaving behind another diagonal crease.
4. Fold in half horizontally and unfold
Next, fold your paper in half by bringing the bottom edge up to the top edge. Crease the paper and then unfold.
5. Fold in half vertically and unfold
Fold your paper in half again by bringing the right edge over to the left edge. Crease the paper and then unfold.
6. Fold all four corners to the middle
Next, fold all four corners of your paper to the center of the paper.
7. Flip the paper over and once again fold all four corners to the middle
Now flip your paper over so that the flaps are pointed down, and then once again fold all four corners to the center.
8. Label each triangle with color or number
Now it’s time to code our fortune teller. Label each triangle with a number or color.
9. Write your fortune under each triangle
Pull up the flaps one at a time and write a fortune on each.
You can either make these fortunes answer somebody’s question, such as “yes” or “no,” or you can provide fortune cookie type prophecies, such as “You will be rich one day!”
10. Flip the fortune teller over and fold in half
Now flip the paper fortune teller over so that the flaps and labels are pointing down. Then fold it in half.
11. Tuck fingers under each flap and push the corners together
Now for the tricky part!
Place your fingers in all four flaps and pinch the paper like in the middle image above. Then slowly move the corners towards each other until the paper folds in on itself.
Flip it over, and there you have it, a traditional origami fortune teller!
While the paper fortune teller is of Japanese origin, it truly is a staple in many cultures around the world!
If you liked the style of this guide, consider checking out our complete collection of origami guides!
Thanks for reading, and happy folding!