Paper Fortune Tellers, Cootie Catchers : Lady Gaga Origami Dress

Ranked #3,102 in Arts & Design, #45,194 overall

Lady Gaga Costumes : Magic 8 Ball : Origami Paper Fortune Tellers : Nostalgic Games, Wedding Favors

The cootie catcher / origami paper fortune teller has been with us for generations. It's probably one of, if not the best-known piece of popular origami in the Western world. Its reputed dual roles, those of interactive art toy and of soothsayer, aid in the object's popularity and staying power.

The little I've found in the way of history for this paper folding fortune teller suggests that it made its first appearance in Japan during the 17th century. Included are some possible cootie catcher fortunes.

This is a game that's familiar to people of many cultures and ages. It fits in with other articles I've done about favorite old nostalgic toys whose names are disputed, if they're really known at all. Some of the names for the game (toy, tool, craft) include:

Cootie (sometimes Coodie) catcher
Scrunchie
Chatterbox
Flippers
Flexigons
Snapdragon
Salt celler
North, east, south west

Very much like the familiar Magic 8 Ball toy, what started out in our memories as a childhood fortune-telling game has become a frequent chic, personalized, eco-friendly nostalgic wedding favor.

[Image from Martha Stewart Wedding Cootie Catcher article]

Cootie Catchers / Paper Fortune Tellers

A fortune teller, (cootie catcher, scrunchie, chancer, chatterbox [citation needed]), is origami used in fortune-telling games. A player asks a question, and the fortune teller operator answers using an algorithm to manipulate the fortune teller's shape. Questions, answers, colors or numbers may be written on the fortune teller. Manipulations are done by various similar methods, for example:

The player asks a question of the person holding the fortune teller; this question will be answered by the device. The holder then asks for a number or color. Once the number or color is chosen, the holder uses their fingers to switch between the two groups of colors and numbers inside the fortune teller.

The holder switches these positions a number of times: which may be determined by the number of letters in the color selected, the number originally chosen, or the sum of both. Once the holder has finished switching the positions of the fortune teller, the player chooses one of the flaps revealed. These flaps often have colors or numbers on them. The holder then lifts the flap and reveals the fortune underneath. Steps may be repeated to suit the users.

These devices can be "rigged" by the placement of only even numbers on one "position" and only odd numbers on the other, causing forced placement to an even position. This will generate only good or bad fortunes.

Text and image from Wikipedia article on Cootie Catchers

Dice Handbag Kits

Dice Handbag Kits


It's a dice bag shaped like a die!

DIY kit to make a d20 handbag
Comes with all the pieces necessary to sew it together
Use it as a purse or a dice bag for game night

Books and Kits

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Make a giant paper fortune teller!

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Read it, do it

Paper Footballs

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Make one for yourself, no computer needed!

How do you make a fortune teller?

How To Make a Cootie Catcher (Easy!)
by CamillePurpura | video info

43 ratings | 15,561 views
curated content from YouTube

Barbie Diaries Secret Fortune Teller

The Barbie Diaries Secret Fortune Teller is a great electronic version of the paper fortune tellers so popular with girls! The Secret Fortune Teller is a hand-held device that allows girls to select a color and choose a number, and access one of many pre-recorded fortunes.

Girls can also record their own fortunes for hours and hours of play! Now girls can fantasize about their future, just like Barbie in The Barbie Diaries movie.

Requires four button cell AG13 batteries. Batteries included. -- Amazon

The Barbie Diaries Secret Fortune Teller

Amazon Price: $9.98 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

The Barbie Diaries DVD

It's a new school year and Barbie is hoping this year will be a little less ordinary. She loves hanging out with her best friends, playing with them in a band, working at the school TV station and also has a crush on a boy.

With a special diary and charm bracelet suddenly Barbie finds the courage to truly be herself, and exciting things start happening!

Find out how fresh, fun, and exciting life can be in The Barbie Diaries!

The Barbie Diaries

Amazon Price: $6.96 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

Outtakes and bloopers

"Kevin's Paper Clip Movie" featurette

"The Scoop on Skye Sweetman" featurette

Music video with Skye Sweetman

Toys and Kits on Amazon

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Fortune Cookie with Diamonds Pendant : 10k Yellow Gold

14K Gold 3D Openable Fortune Cookie Pendant : Fortune Cookie Locket : 3D

14K Gold 3D Openable Fortune Cookie Pendant

Beautiful new 14k 3-D Openable Fortune Cookie Pendant. It is a great gift for yourself or a loved one and makes the perfect addition to any Jewelry collection. STYLE- 3-D, Casted METAL- 14k Yellow gold. USA

10k Yellow Gold Diamond Fortune Cookie Pendant (1/4 cttw, I-J Color, I3 Clarity), 18" :: Currently Out of Stock
Paved with 1/4 cttw of shimmering diamonds, this little fortune cookie pendant is an eye-catching accessory. It's made from 10 karat yellow gold and presented on an 18-inch light rope chain. Enjoy this pendant with the chain provided, or add a different gold chain of your choice.

* Gemstones may have been treated to improve their appearance or durability and may require special care.
* All our diamond suppliers certify that to their best knowledge their diamonds are not conflict diamonds.

Personalized Secret Agent Cufflinks w/Secret Compartment

Personalized Secret Agent Cufflinks

James Bond would love these! Our personalized Secret Agent Cufflinks come in a handsome gift box and include a secret compartment!

Unscrew these tubular-shaped silver-toned accessories and hide a personal note for the recipient.

Cool! Perfect bride-to-groom gift or an ideal "thank you present" for the groomsmen! Stud design includes up to 3 initials. Measures 3/4" x 7/8" x 3/4" (diameter). Personalize with three initials.

Make a Gaga Inspired Origami Dress

LadyGaga ORIGAMI DRESS tutorial
by kwako21 | video info

313 ratings | 110,695 views
curated content from YouTube

Magic 8 Ball Costume : Adult & Child Sizes : Ouija Shirt Customize

Magic 8 Ball Costume : Adult

Be the Magic 8 Ball! Perfect look if you're one of those people who think that they have all the answers!

This Magic 8 Ball Adult Costume includes one magic 8 ball black tunic with an answer wheel inside you can rotate to display up to 6 possible outcomes, different magic 8 ball sayings.

Available In One Size Fits Most. (Designed To Fit Most Adults).
Includes: Tunic.
Does Not Include Shirt, Pants, or Shoes.
This is an officially licensed Magic 8 Ball product.

Also Available:
Magic 8 Ball Costume : Child Size

Ouija shirt
Ouija by hellooutlaw
More Artsprojekt T-Shirts

Teller: When I'm Dead All This Will Be Yours: Joe Teller -- A Portrait By His Kid

When I'm Dead All This Will Be Yours: Joe Teller -- A Portrait By His Kid

"Teller, the silent magician of Penn & Teller fame, has written a loving "portrait" of his father. Witty and humorous, Teller sets out to give us a glimpse of his artist parents and their bohemian lifestyle. His father, Joe, actually spent time as a hobo, traveling across America before finding his way to the art classes where he met Teller's mother.

"Joe and Irene soon eloped and settled down, never losing their creativity or enjoyment of life. From excerpts of letters that Joe wrote to friends and family, the readers discover what his life on the road was like. During World War II, Joe was drafted, and his letters home from the Philippines describe life in the service.

When I'm Dead All This Will Be Yours: Joe Teller -- A Portrait By His Kid

Amazon Price: $15.03 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

"Many of Joe's drawings are also included here, wonderful cartoons that merit a book of their own. This sweet tribute to a beloved father focuses only on a few major highlights of his life. Senior readers who enjoy light, fast reading will appreciate and identify with the humor of the Depression era. Recommended for larger libraries where there is interest.DRosalind Dayen, Broward Cty. South Regional Lib., Pembroke Pines, FL" -- Amazon

Fortunes for Fortune Tellers

Fortunes, Sayings to put inside

Fortunes or silly phrases:

Animals:

* A black cat will bring you good luck today.
* A milk mustache will make someone smile at you.
* Don't horse around in school or else you will get bad grades.
* Only pick up pennies that are "heads-up" for good luck
* Someone special will make cat-eyes at you today.
* Never wake a sleeping dog.
* Maybe yes or maybe no.
* Exercise today and beef up your muscles.

Colors:

* You are a cutie pie.
* You melt his/her heart.
* Chill out, dude.
* You are in a fog.
* Kiss a frog today.
* You rule.
* Wish upon a star.
* Wear a smiley face.

Person:

* You will be a lawyer.
* Work hard, play harder.
* You will be a doctor.
* Save your money.
* You will be rich someday.
* Read a book this week.
* You will be successful.
* Eat, drink and be merry.

Excerpted from a lesson in How to do things

Custom Fortune Cookies

Custom Fortune Cookies ~ A Taste of Good Fortune

A very hot part favor!! These tastefully decorated fortune cookies are personalized for each event. Fortune cookies are not only delicious, but a fun and original idea for corporate parties, weddings, banquets and other celebrations.

Hand them out to your guests as they depart for the evening or serve them as desserts-your friends and family will be impressed by your creativity!

Five Star Customer Ratings!

Cookies are made from the finest ingredients and hand dipped in milk chocolate and decorated with tiny sprinkles or a single heart. You can customize the colors of both the chocolate base and the decoration. Cookies arrive individually wrapped and sealed in clear cello bags.

Paper Fortune Teller

by Chariklia Zarris

Fortune Teller Adult Costume: IN the Machine!

* Fortune Teller Adult Funny Humorous Costume
* This is a BRAND NEW costume in original packaging.
* This is a great Halloween costume item!
* Size: One Size

Fortune Teller - Adult Standard Costume

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

Fabric Coodie Catcher Mobile

"Other than their powerful soothsaying abilities, I've always admired their sculptural quality from all angles. To enjoy them in all their glory, I made fabric cootie catchers to hang as a mobile or garland."

Fabric Coodie Catcher Mobile

A different How-To for a Fabric Fortune Teller.

[Text and image from web site]

144 Fortune Teller Miracle Fish - Fortune Telling Fish!

144 Fortune Teller Miracle Fish - Fortune Telling Fish!

Place this paper-thin red plastic fish in the palm of your hand and its movements will indicate your romantic state. No one knows romance like a fish! As a unique and fun give-a-way I offer the Fortune Teller Fish to kids at birthday parties and to adults at cocktail receptions. Many adults recall these fish from their own childhood days and it's amusing to see grown adults toying with them.

144 Fortune Teller Miracle Fish - Fortune Telling Fish

Amazon Price: $3.70 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

The fish is actually made of a space-age polymer plastic that is heat sensitive. When placed flat in a person's hand, their own body heat will cause the fish to wiggle and move like magic!

DON'T TELL THEM THIS! Place the fish in another person's hand and explain that the fish has special powers and that the way that it twitches will predict their future. -Amazon

It Will Come To Pass

'Fortunate' Films: Fortune Cookie, Soldier of Fortune, Reversal of Fortune, Outrageous Fortune, Cookie's Fortune

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The Fortune-Teller's Bible

The Definitive Guide to the Arts of Divination



The Fortune-Teller's Bible: The Definitive Guide to the Arts of Divination

For the first time, in one comprehensive guide, seekers can look into all forms of fortune-telling and divination devices, including scrying, tarot, and the I Ching. This handy volume contains an amazing amount of mystic thought from through out the centuries and around the globe.

Featuring easy-to-follow instructions and high-quality photographs, it covers all the basics with information on many different aspects of clairvoyance. Delve into both Western and Chinese astrology, numerology, palmistry, runes, face reading, and other folk arts. Each one features practical skill-building exercises so newcomers can try it out and see exactly where their talents lie.

About the Author
Jane Struthers is a full-time astrologer and writer and has studied astrology, tarot, auras and palmistry for over 25 years. Jane is the author of many books on divination including The Palmistry Bible, The Psychic's Bible and The Art of Tea-leaf Reading.
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Fortune Teller Reading Flapper's Palm

Nostalgic Toys

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Cootie Game by Hasbro

Not catchers, but long-time favorite Cooties all the same!

This classic game has been around for nearly half a century and is just as fun as ever. The bugs' faces are a bit goofier than before, but the object remains the same: to be the first to create your own Cootie. Just arrange the bug parts on the fold-out board and roll the die to win the parts you need. (Roll a 1 and pick a body, roll a 2 and select a head, roll a 3, etc.) Body parts are made of hard plastic and come in various mix-and-match colors. Small pieces are a danger to young children, so supervision is recommended. Instructions in English and Spanish. --Tom Keogh

Product Description
The original build-your-own-bug game! Build your very own silly and colorful Cootie. Start with a body; add a head and a hat. Finish it off with a pair of lips, an antennae and a twirly tongue. Your Cootie will never be the same twice! Includes four Cootie Bugs with parts, plus die and gameboard.
For 2 to 4 players.

Cootie

Amazon Price: $3.75 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

The Video Fortune Teller - Tarot, Crystal Ball and Spirit Board

The Video Fortune Teller is an interactive DVD that will uncover secrets and reveal the future. Madame Mazunicar, your personal psychic advisor will guide you through several pathways to determine your fortune. Unlock your mind and receive unlimited Tarot readings, and discover information about your Past, Present and Future.

Also included is a Crystal Ball reading, where Madam Mazunicar can interpret answers to all of your questions. In addition, there is a virtual Spirit Board that will allow you to seek personal guidance. Plus a special bonus section for more psychic fun. Above all, you will discover that the Video Fortune Teller can provide hours of entertainment to you and your friends. Performance may vary depending on model of DVD player. Not compatible with Cyber Home DVD players Model CH-DVD 300.

Magic 8 Ball, Tarot Cards, Silver Fortune Cookie, Ouija Board

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Your Own Crystal Ball

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Cup of Destiny: A Traditional Fortune-Teller's Cup and Saucer+

plus Illustrated Book of Interpretations

Reading tea leaves is a traditional divinatory method passed on through generations. The Cup of Destiny reveals the secrets of this ancient method, allowing you to make predictions for yourself and your friends.

This kit includes a beautiful, decorated cup and saucer for making readings, and an illustrated book explaining how to interpret the patterns you will find in your cup. The first part of the book describes the ritual of turning the cup counter-clockwise and draining the left-over tea into the saucer.

It goes on to explain the meanings of over 200 of the signs and symbols you are likely to see in the leaves when making a reading. The explanations accompanying these allow you to relate them to real events and future possibilities.

It provides clear insights which can be startlingly accurate: a heart near the rim of the cup means that love is not far away, while a cake may signify a celebration or a party. So, have a cup of tea and see what the leaves have to say about your future!

Cup of Destiny: A Traditional Fortune-Teller's Cup and Saucer plus Illustrated Book of Interpretations

Amazon Price: $14.21 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

About the Author
Jane Lyle writes about paranormal and divination topics for various publications. She has been intrigued by the tarot from an early age, and learned the traditional art of reading tea leaves from her grandmother. Her books include The Tarot Set and The Secret Tarot.

Have you made one of these? Is it a toy or a tool?

  • KarenCookieJar Dec 23, 2011 @ 4:02 pm | delete
    I made a ton of these when I was a kid.

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imaginemdd

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