How to Make a Kite Out of A4 Paper

Kites have been delighting people of all ages for thousands of years. Although many modern kites are quite sophisticated, you can make a simple one with nothing but paper, bamboo skewers and a few simple tools. This makes a great, easy craft project for young kids. Build and decorate kites with your family in the morning, then go out to fly them in the afternoon.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sheet of A4 paper Sewing thread Newspaper Cellophane tape Ruler Pen Scissors Craft knife Markers

1. Fold the paper in half the narrow way. Open it up again. You now have a crease down the middle.

2. Get the thinnest bamboo skewers you can find. If they are too thick, try to slice one in half with a craft knife.

3. Put a bamboo skewer into the crease you made in step 1. Use small pieces of cellophane tape to attach it. Trim the ends so that it is no longer than the piece of paper.

4. Put a second bamboo skewer on the paper. It should be perpendicular to the first, and about three inches down the paper. Attach it to the paper with cellophane tape and trim it down to size.

5. Draw straight lines between the tips of the bamboo skewers, using a rule and a pen. Cut along the lines. You now have a diamond-shaped kite.

6. Poke a small hole in the paper right in front of the spot where the skewers cross. Pull a piece of thread through it and tie it around the cross members.

7. Tape a strip of newspaper at least a yard long and about two inches wide to the back of the kite as a tail.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring a scissors with you when you fly the kite. If the kite does not balance right, trim the tail and try again. Try making kites with the second skewer further forward or backward. Decorate the kite with markers. Using paint, glue and other materials could weigh it down and make it not fly as well.

Resources

• Very Simple A4 Kite