How to Make a Geometric Kite
Making a kite is a relatively easy project that is safe and appropriate for all ages, with adult supervision. A simple geometric kite in a diamond shape is a classic type that makes a good starting point for building kites at home. With a few simple materials and a couple of hours, you can make your own craft project that really works. The science is simple so you can expect great results, even on your first try. Have fun with it and add paint and other decoration to personalize your creation.
Things You'll Need
- Two thin dowels String or twine Reel of kite string Craft knife Tissue paper, crepe paper or newspaper Tape Strips of cloth or ribbons
Instructions
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1
Lay the two dowels down in the form of a cross. One dowel should be shorter than the other at a proportion of 2 to 3. Measurements of 24 and 36 inches work well. These dowels are known as "spars."
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2
Use string or twine to tightly secure the dowels together at the center, keeping them perpendicular to one another.
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3
Cut 1/8-inch notches into the outside ends of both dowels with a craft knife or blade.
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4
Run string through the four notches and tie it off, creating a diamond pattern around the cross frame.
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5
Wrap a piece of string around the tips of each dowel and tie off to secure the perimeter string into the notches.
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6
Cut out a sheet of paper with your newly built frame as a guide, adding an inch or two of extra paper around all four sides.
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7
Lay the frame on top of the paper and fold the edges of the paper over, taping it to itself around the string in a diamond shape.
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8
Cut a piece of string that is 6 to 12 inches longer than the longest dowel of the frame and tie the ends of the string to the ends of the long dowel. This forms a "bridle".
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9
Attach the spool of kite string to the bridle in the center.
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10
Cut another piece of string about 6 feet long to make a tail and attach it to the bottom of the kite. Then tie fabric strips or ribbons to the string at 8-inch intervals for a decorative and stabilizing effect.
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Tips & Warnings
The thinner your paper, the better the kite will fly. However, thinner paper tears more easily, so handle with care.
Supervise children.
- Photo Credit Piotr Ciuchta
