Easy Kite Construction

Kites are such fun to fly, but have you ever made one? It is easy to do and makes the flying experience even more exciting. You will need to gather a few materials: 2 dowels for the ribs of the kite (one about 30 inches long and one about 20 inches long), cotton garden twine or heavy string, glue stick and white glue, 1 sheet of heavy paper (at least 30 inches square; butcher paper is a good choice). After completion, you might want to have markers or crayons to decorate your own personal kite!

To begin, cut slots in the ends of both dowels. Make the slots as deep as the string you are using to make the kite. These slots will help hold the string in place as you pull it around the outside diamond shape of the kite. Once complete, use white glue to help hold the two dowels together; then use twine woven in an "x" pattern around both sticks. Join the two dowels with the short dowel at right angles to the long one. Place the short dowel about 1/3 of the way down the length of the long dowel. You will make a cross shape with one long leg at the bottom.

To affix the string, make a loop around the top of the cross and tie the string on tight. Bring the string around one end of the short dowel and then pull it tight as you reach the bottom of the cross. Loop the string around the stick a couple of times to be sure it is secure and tight. Continue around the opposite short dowel end and pull the string tight at the top. Tie it off and add a bit of glue to both the top and bottom tied areas for added strength. The cross should be tight but should not be bowed. Allow the cross to dry.

Tie a string about 38 inches to the ends of the long dowel. You are creating the bridle of the kite, and it is to this bridle that the flying string is attached. Make a loop in the bridle string right above the cross of the short and long dowels. Attach the flying string.

To make a neat tail, tie ribbons to a length of string. Attach a piece of ribbon every 8 to 10 inches down the length of the tail. (Tails can be any length, but about 45 inches is good for this kite.) Decorate the front with markers or crayons; then head out for flying fun!

NOTE: Be sure to use caution when flying your kite: Fly in an open field and away from power lines; and never fly it on a cloudy/rainy day.