Here are the materials you will need:
- A full sheet of newspaper
- Two ¼-inch round wooden dowels (one 24 inches, one 20 inches)
- Scissors
- Pencil
- A spool of string, preferably kite string
- Masking tape or packing tape
- Ruler or yardstick
- Roll of ribbon
- Little handsaw-NOTE: The saw should be used by an adult
Directions:
Step 1. Start by cutting the wooden dowels to the correct lengths, 24 inches, and 20 inches.
Step 2. Using the handsaw, make notches in both ends of the two wooden dowels.
Step 3. Lay the 24-inch dowel vertically, and measure 6 inches from the top. Mark it with a pencil.
Step 4: Place the smaller dowel across this mark to form a ‘t’ shape. (Pay attention to the notches at the end of each dowel. They should be parallel to the floor the sticks are on so that you can later wrap the string around the frame.)
Step 5. Use the string to tie dowels together.
Step 6. Place some masking tape over the string to and tape dowels together.
Step 7. Wrap string all the way around the kite, making sure it goes right into the notches.
Step 8. Now that the frame is done, it’s time to add the newspaper.
Step 9. Place a large sheet of newspaper on the floor. Place the frame on top of it. Cut about around the frame, one inch outside the frame to allow enough paper to fold over.
Step 10. Fold the edges of the newspaper over the string and securely tape the edges of the kite. Use extra tape across the top (brindle) and bottom ( where you attach the tail of the kite).
Step 11. Cut a piece of string 24 inches long. Poke holes into the top and bottom points of the kite. Tie one end of the string into the top hole and one end into the bottom hole. (Use some tape to keep it secure.) This is the brindle of the kite.
Step 12. Tie the ball of flying string to this brindle string to fly your kite. Start by tying the string about 1/3 of the way down the brindle—and adjust it as you fly the kite.
Step13. Tie a long string to the bottom of the kite and use ribbons along that string to make a tail.
Be sure to bring scissors, tape, and string with you when you go out to fly your kite. You may have to make adjustments to get your kites into the air!
