Homemade Kites For Blustery Spring Days

With spring finally here, the blustery breezes are perfect for launching and flying a kite. So set aside some time and give your kid a hand with this simple kite-making activity.

Materials Needed
		1 two-foot-long dowel rod or stick 1 three-foot-long dowel rod or stick 1 large sheet of brown craft paper or newspaper String Ribbon Kite line Scissors

Instructions:

1. Begin by placing the three-foot-long stick vertically, then place the two-foot-long stick horizontally on top of the longer stick (about one foot from the top) to create a cross.
   
   
2. Use a piece of string to tie the two sticks together around the joint. Wrap it around several times until the sticks are secure. You can use glue to secure the end of the string.
   
   
3. Carefully cut a small notch in all four ends of the sticks.
   
   
4. Starting at the bottom notch in the cross, wrap a piece of string all the way around the cross, securing the string in each of the four notches. When you get back to the bottom of the cross, tie the string in a knot. This will serve as your kite's frame.
   
   
5. Place the piece of paper on a flat surface and place your kite frame on top of the paper. If kids want to decorate the kite, they can draw on the paper with markers before it's attached to the frame.
   
   
6. Leaving a two-inch border of paper, cut around the shape of the frame.
   
   
7. Fold the border of paper over the frame and secure with glue.
   
   
8. To make the kite's bridle, cut a 3 1/2 foot piece of string, and tie one end of the string around the top of the frame. Make a small loop one-third of the way down the string and tie it in a knot. Tie the open end of the string to the bottom of the frame.
   
   
9. To make the kite's tail, tie a six-foot long piece of string to the bottom of the frame. Tie several short pieces of ribbon to the string, about eight inches apart.
   
   
10. Tie your kite line to the loop in the bridle and give your kite a try!
    
    

Flying Tips
Wind that is too strong or too light is difficult to fly in. About 5-25 mph is best for most kites (when leaves and bushes start to move, but before it really starts to blow).

Your flying space should be a clear, open area. The more room you have, the more line you can let out.

Stand with your back to the wind. Hold your kite up by the bridle point and let the line out. If there is sufficient wind, your kite will go right up. Let the kite fly away from you a little, then pull in on the line as the kite points up so it will climb. Repeat this until your kite gains the altitude necessary to find a good steady wind.