Make use of the strong winds in spring and make your own kite with your kids. Use your imagination to decorate or simplify by using coloured plastic bags or newspaper.
Start by making a Christian cross with your two sticks and join them with glue and the tape. Make sure the sticks are in straight angles. Cut a notch on each end of the sticks, deep enough to fit and hold the string.
Tie the string like a frame around the cross and make small loops in each corner. The string should be tight but do not bend the sticks.
Lay the frame on a sheet of plastic, coloured paper or newspaper. Mark out the frame with a pen, but add on about 1in all around the border. Cut out the paper or plastic, wrap it around the frame by folding in the excess paper or plastic. Make sure to leave the loops free, pointing out from the frame. It might be easier to decorate your kite before attaching the paper or plastic.
Tie a string to each loop and join them together to a central knot, make sure the central knot is in the middle of the kite. The knot should be facing the decorations and not on the back of the kite. Tie the central knot to a spool of string that will be your flying cord.
Lastly attach a string to the loop at the bottom of the kite to make a tail. Tie and space out ribbons made of paper or plastic on the tail to give the kite better balance.
What you need:
String, cord or twine (thin)
Scotch tape or masking tape
Glue
2 sticks (wood or bamboo), about 3 ft and 4 ft
Plastic sheet, coloured paper or newspaper
Paints (otpional)
Do you have any great tips to share?