How to Make a Japanese Dragon Kite
Chinese dragon kites were first used for both pleasure and as a method to confuse and scare invading forces. No longer used for ambush attacks, dragon kites entertain both the handler and those watching. These intricate kites require experienced artisanship to complete. However, with some bamboo and rip stock, you can create a modest dragon kite of your own.
Things You'll Need
- 4-foot bamboo stick
- Cloth tape
- 2 bamboo sticks, 14 inches long
- Rip stock
- Scissors
- Craft glue
- Kite string
- Acrylic paints
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Bend a 4-foot bamboo stick into a circle, bringing the ends of the stick together and overlapping them. Secure them together using a 1-foot piece of cloth tape. Wrap the tape around to secure the ends together. Cut a second piece of 1-foot cloth tape and wrap it around the bamboo ring where the loose end remains.
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2
Cut two pieces of 14-inch bamboo. Attach the two pieces of bamboo in the center of the circle to make a cross. Wrap a piece of cloth tape around the bamboo where the pieces meet.
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3
Lay the bamboo circle over the top of a piece of rip stock. Use any color you would like. Trace the bamboo circle onto the rip stock 1 inch wider than the circle. Cut the circle out.
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4
Use a pair of scissors to cut 1-by-1-inch tabs into the circle of rip stock. Place the bamboo circle on top of the rip stock again. Fold the cut tabs over the edge of the bamboo circle. Secure each tab with craft glue. Allow the glue to dry overnight.
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5
Tie the loose end of a spool of kite string around the bamboo cross where the pieces intersect.
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6
Turn the kite over. Decorate the head of the dragon using acrylic paints. Paint a dragon's face using the paints. Allow it to dry overnight.
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7
Cut five pieces of rip stock, in any color combination, into a 2-foot length. Attach the length to the bottom edge of the finished head using craft glue.
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References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
