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Arts & Entertainment

Patch's Craft of the Week: The Cootie Catcher

For the long Memorial Day weekend, this childhood favorite is making a comeback at weddings and parties as a place holder, party favor, and memento.

Crafts are a great way to exercise your artistic side but they are also very useful at bringing people together. 

Each week, we will post a simple and easy project for your enjoyment. This is a great opportunity for you to reconnect with your friends and family while enjoying a weekly craft night. 

Cootie Catcher
Cootie catchers, also known as fortune tellers, are no longer a relic of our childhood. They are making a comeback as a the newest party favor trend. The possibilities are endless with personalization! You can include information about anyone on their birthday, the bride and groom at their wedding, or any organization hosting the event.  

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What You Need

  • Sturdy paper (thicker than computer paper, but thinner than construction)
  • A computer and printer
  • Scissors
  • Rulers
  • Scoring tool (shown here as a retractable pen, but this can anything that can help you make a crease) 

Step 1
Download the blank template and fill in the information using the labeled template as a reference. 

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Step 2
Print the template and cut out the square.  

Step 3
Using a ruler and a scoring tool, trace over all the lines (dark and light) to create creases. You want this deep enough to help you make clean folds, but not  too deep that it will tear the paper.

Step 4
Fold the four corners to the center of  the blank side of the paper.

Step 5
Fold the new corners in the opposite direction, towards the center of the "answers" side. 

Step 6
Fold the square horizontally, vertically, and along both diagonals just create creases and shape the fortune teller. 

Step 7
With the cootie catcher folded in half (either horizontally or diagonally) and with the questions on the interior, slip your fingers under the exterior flaps.

Step 8
Push the corners towards the center to create the fortune teller shape.

Step 9
Move your hands to expose the questions.  Open the corresponding flap to reveal the answer!

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Fun Tip: You can use this as personalized place holders for your dinner party. Each fortune teller can be made to describe each of your guests. These cootie catchers make a memorable party favor and are great conversation starters!

When was the last time you used a cootie catcher? 


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