Authors: Gary Hinze
Date Submitted: November 30, 2010
Article Type: Discourse

INTRODUCTION

Here are some kites that are quick and easy to build and fly, made from readily available, inexpensive materials. No sticks are used. They are stiffened by creases in the paper. These kites are good for classrooms, homeschoolers, scouts, senior crafts, church groups, or parties. I picked these three to show you from 42 kites that I made for this project.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS

The materials you need are 9” x 12” construction paper, thin cotton string, a 2” roll of crepe paper, glue, and tape. Substitutions may be made. For example, heavy grocery bag paper will do for the construction paper. Strips of newspaper, cut along the grain and softened by crumpling, will work for the crepe paper.

Tools required include a steel straightedge for marking and guiding cuts, a yardstick for measuring bridle string and tails, a pencil for marking positions and lines, a round toothpick for poking holes in paper, a razor blade for cutting paper, a block for pressing folds, and scissors for cutting string and paper. Again, substitutions may be made. A razor blade may be inadvisable for small children, and cuts may be made beforehand by adults or scissors may be used. I used a sailmakers needle instead of the toothpick. You will also need a suitable workplace. If you plan to cut paper with a razor blade, you will want a work board that may be scratched. The side of a cardboard box will do. Newspapers will keep glue off tabletops.

Page Number: 48
PDF Link: Discourse Issue