Few origami creations spark as much instant joy as the paper fortune teller. You know the one: you slip your thumbs and fingers inside, flap it open and shut, pick a color, pick a number, and reveal a silly fortune tucked underneath. It's the origami toy of every childhood recess.

The good news is it's wonderfully easy to fold—just eight steps from a plain square to a working cootie catcher. Let's make one, and you can start writing fortunes for everyone you know.

STEP 1.

Fold the paper in half and crease it well, then unfold.

STEP 2.

Fold the paper as shown in the photo.

STEP 3.

Turn the model over.

STEP 4.

Fold the paper as shown in the photo.

STEP 5.

Turn the model over.

STEP 6.

Crease the paper at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 7.

Open and fold the paper as shown in the picture.

STEP 8.

Turn the model over.

Completion!

Your fortune teller is finished and ready to play with.