DIY Network

Sled Kite From "DIY Kids" episode DIK-203

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The DIY kids made a sled kite out of newspaper and one out of a trash bag. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E

Materials for Sled Kite:

Newspaper or trash bags
Kite string
Scissors
Paint or markers
Masking tape
Dowels or rolled newspaper
Flag tape or scrap fabric
Yardstick

Instructions for support rod:

Starting in the corner, roll a double-wide sheet of newspaper into a long, thin tube -- keep the paper tight as you roll (figure A). Secure with masking tape and repeat the process with a second sheet. (If rolling the newspaper is too difficult, use two dowel rods.)

Instructions for body:

1. Lay out one sheet of double-wide newspaper.

2. Measure in 7" from each corner on the top and bottom. Then measure up 18" from the bottom on each side of the newspaper.

3. Then connect the dots to create a six-sided shape (figure B). Cut out a hexagon shape. It will start to look like a kite.

4. Tape around all the edges with masking tape to make it stronger.

5. Tape your newspaper tubes (or dowel rods) vertically from the top corner to the bottom corner on each side of the kite (figure C). Trim off the excess if support rods are too long.

6. You can use trash bags if you prefer, and you can use dowel rods (figure D ). It's the same thing -- just different materials. (It is a little easier because of the dowels, however.)

7. Decorate with paint or markers.

8. Tape a piece of kite string that is about 3' long between each of the side corners. If you make a loop in the ends of the string before you tape it down, it will be stronger.

9. Tape a piece of flag tape about 5' long to the bottom corners. (You can use a streamer cut from an old T-shirt or other scrap fabric (figure E) if you don't have flag tape.)

10. Attach the kite string and a handle to the top line/bridle in the center. (A bridle is something that helps steer the kite -- similar to how a bridle steers a horse.) Tie multiple square knots so it will hold.

Tip: You may need to adjust the length of the tail depending on the amount of wind.

All products are available at craft, hardware, and grocery stores.

Diamond Kite -- Web Exclusive

Materials:

Trash bags or newspaper
Kite string
Scissors
Permanent markers
Craft knife
Masking tape
Dowels
Flag tape or scrap fabric
Yardstick
Hot glue (optional)

Instructions for support rod:

1. Use one dowel that is 3' long for the vertical support and one dowel that is 2' long for the horizontal, cross support.

2. Tie the 3' and 2' dowels in the shape of a cross. (Optional: Hot-glue the center for extra support.)

3. Use a craft knife to cut a notch in both ends of each dowel.

4. Thread kite string around the frame so that the string rests in each notch, and tie off. (Optional: Add hot glue to the end of each rod for extra strength.)

Instructions for kite body:

1. Cut open one plastic trash bag and lay it flat. (Optional: Use double-wide newspaper instead.)

2. Lay the diamond-shaped frame on top of the plastic bag and trace the outline.

3. Cut out the diamond shape 1" to 2" larger than the actual size of the frame. Cut the pointed ends about 2" from the edge so they are flat. This is the body of the kite.

4. Fold the plastic kite body over the edge of the frame and tape down all the way around.

5. Decorate with markers.

6. Tie a 3' piece of string between the two side corners. This is the bridle. Tie your kite string and handle to the center of this line, knotting several times to secure.

7. Tie a tail approximately 5' to the end of your kite. You can use flag tape or old scrap fabric.

Tips:

• Safety tip: Always use extreme caution when using a craft knife: they are sharp.

• You may need to adjust the length of the tail depending on the amount of wind.

• Permanent markers may stick best to the plastic when you're decorating it.

All products are available at craft, hardware and grocery stores.

RESOURCES :
Marks-A-Lot -- Permanent Markers

Avery Dennison Consumer Service Center
Brea, CA 92821
Phone: 800-462-8379
Website: www.avery.com

Kites: A Practical Handbook
Model: 1854861433
Author: Ron Moulton

To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.

Trans-Atlantic Publications Inc.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Fax: 215-925-7412

Kites on the Wind: Easy to Make Kites That Fly Without Sticks
Model: 0822524007
Author: Emery Kelly
(1991)

To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.

Lerner Publishing Group
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: 612-332-3344
Fax: 612-332-7615

GUESTS :
Wendell Elliott
S&P Kites
5534 Albemarle Rd., Suite 106
Charlotte, NC 28212
Phone: 704-567-9006
Owner