How to Make a Paper Boomerang for Kids
Boomerangs come in many different shapes and sizes, and you can make one otu of paper for the kids. Boomerangs did not originate in Australia, but the Aborigines did use them to hunt game longer than other cultures and thus preserved them. The original boomerangs were quite large like spears, and when they took an animal down they didn't boomerang back to the thrower. Today boomerangs are mostly used like a Frisbee for fun.
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Things You'll Need
- Boomerang plan
- Paper
- Printer
- Scissors
- Decoupage glue
- Sandpaper
- Sanding block
- Permanent markers or paints (optional)
Instructions
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1
Choose a shape that you like from the free designs available online. If you are a novice boomerang maker, stick to a simple, two-leg traditional shape for your first boomerang.
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2
Print your plan on several pieces of paper. Use the amount of paper required for the thickness and size needed for your design. Plans should indicate the lines for creating "airfoil angles" -- the angles that make the finished boomerang aerodynamic, or capable of flying.
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3
Cut out the boomerang shapes from each sheet of paper with the scissors.
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4
Align the boomerang cutouts one at a time and glue them together using a thin coat of decoupage glue spread evenly across each sheet. Allow each sheet to dry before adding another sheet.
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5
Use a piece of sandpaper on a sanding block to carefully sand down the edges of the bonded paper boomerang along the lines on the plan indicating the proper angles for the airfoil edge. Study the side profile pictures as you work to get the proper angle. This process is similar to sharpening the blade of a cutting tool such as a hatchet or knife.
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6
Paint the finished boomerang with an overall coat of decoupage glue to seal it and allow it to dry. Decorate it with permanent markers or paint before sealing, if desired.
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7
Let the paint and glue dry completely before use.
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Tips & Warnings
Getting the airfoil edge right is the hardest part, so practice making it on several simple boomerangs before going on to the more complicated styles.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit boomerang image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
