Text-Only Instructions
Credits and Resources:
This is a traditional model.
For some excellent instructions and to refresh your memory on how to play the fortune teller game, go to
Paper to be used: Square, any size; folding with larger paper will make the fortune teller easier to handle.
Folding level: Easy/Beginner
Steps: 8
Description: This is a 3-dimensional model comprising 4 movable flaps with pockets on its underside. It resembles a flower with 4 petals and can be manipulated by inserting one's fingers into the pockets that have been formed at the underside of the model.
Remarks:
Many adults might remember making this simple model as kids and it being their first (and perhaps their only) experience with the art of origami.
If you plan to teach this model to kids to fold as a fun party or classroom activity, use white or plain colored paper and don't forget to provide them with pens or pencils and some instructions on how to fold and use their fortune tellers.
Alternatively, fold a fortune teller for each party-goer and write a thank you note inside, perhaps accompanied by lucky numbers that may entitle the holder to a special treat or gift, etc.
My 4-year-old simply loves the fact that the model can flap open and closed or from side to side.
NOTE: This model starts from the blintz base. If you are able to achieve this without instructions, fold the blintz base once, turn the model over and repeat the blintz fold with the new, smaller square; then go to Step 7.
Step 1
Place a square piece of paper down on a hard, flat surface with its edges to the left and right, top and bottom.
Step 2
Fold the left edge over to meet the right edge. Crease and unfold.
Step 3
Fold the top edge down to meet the bottom edge. Crease and unfold.
Step 4
Use the crease lines on your paper to fold all four corners in to meet at the center of the square.
NOTE: This step May require some practice, because the folds should be straight and equal to each other. Try out different ways of folding until you find what works for you.
The best way I have found is to recrease the horizontal and vertical center lines. Then fold the top left and right points inwards to form two top triangles. Turn the model 180 degrees and repeat this last step.
When pressed flat, you should end up with a square-shaped model.
Make sure that, as far as possible, all outside corners are folded neatly at a 90 degree angle and that the crease lines all lie straight and meet precisely in the center of the square.
It is fine to have very small "gap lines" between your triangles, but keep them straight and as small as possible.
Step 5
Flip your paper over and position it once again as for Step 1 and then repeat Steps 2 and 3 with your folded square.
Step 6
Fold all 4 corners into the center again to form another smaller square.
Crease very well and leave folded.
Your square will now have 4 triangular flaps, each comprising 2 smaller triangles, coming together at the center of the model.
Step 7
Repeat steps 2 and 3 again.
Step 8
In this last step, you will turn your flat square into a 3-dimensional object, vaguely resembling a flower.
Lift up the model and locate the 4 loose flaps on the under side of the model. Gently insert four fingers of one hand into these flaps while, at the same time, you bring the 4 corners of the model together at its center.
You will be able to move it from side to side with your fingers, exposing the triangular flaps on the inside of the fortune teller.
To do this, insert both thumbs and forefingers into the pockets on the underside of the fortune teller and gently move your fingers to open and close the model.
Alternative model:
For a party dish, fold the model from fairly large squares and turn the Fortune Teller upside-down. Position it so it is well-balanced on its 4 points, forming "legs" for the dish to stand on. You may want to experiment with some colored/patterned paper.
As with most origami models, the end-result will depend on which way you orient the paper before you start to fold.
Starting with the white or plain side facing up, will produce a dish with a colored or patterned exterior and, of course, starting with the white or plain side facing down will cause the colored or patterned side of the paper to show on the inside of your origami dish.
Fold smaller models for each place setting and fill with candy or some other small party favors or use as serviette holders.
Making origami accessible to visually impaired crafters through text instructions.
for non-commercial use only.
~`~Compiled by Lindy van der Merwe, December 2009
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