How to Make a Foil Kite

Make a reflective kite out of aluminum foil.

One of the most cherished childhood memories for many adults is the time spent making a kite and flying it in an open field on a day that is bright and breezy. The next time you make a kite, use aluminum foil instead of paper. You won't need to apply glue because the foil can be secured by folding it in a particular way. In no time, you will have a reflective kite flying against the shiny blue sky.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy duty aluminum foil
• 2 wooden dowels
• Twine
• Duct tape
• Kite string

Instructions

1. Cut out two sheets of aluminum foil to measure 18 inches wide by 24 inches long. A standard roll of foil is 18 inches wide, so you will only need to trim the length.

2. Place the 1/8-inch-wide , 18-inch-long wooden dowel horizontally across the 1/8-inch-wide, 24-inch-long wooden dowel. The dowels will look like a cross.

3. Wrap twine tightly around the middle of the crossed dowels to secure them into place.

4. Place the crossed dowels on top of one of the aluminum sheets, then lay the other sheet on top of the dowels.

5. Fold all four corners over to meet the middle of the form. Press the folds with your fingers to flatten them.

6. Tape the ends of the folded corners to the middle of the diamond-shaped form to secure them into place.

7. Cut a hole in the center of the form to expose the tied middle of the dowels.

8. Tie a kite string onto the tied middle.

References

• Skratch Pad: Make a Kite