How to Make a Kite

We had a kite-flying contest a few months back. A lot of people just brought their store-bought kites but we wanted to try our hand at a homemade one. I'm one of the Wolf Den Mothers so I whipped out my cub scout manual and we got to work. The manual was somewhat vague so we had to make up some of the steps as we went along, but it worked out. Here is what we did...

Materials:

• Paper, plastic or other light-weight, durable material (We used paper)
• 2 wooden dowels
• Kite String
• Masking Tape
• Clear Scotch Tape

Step 1: Decide where you want your dowels to cross and cut off any extra.

Step 2: Tape the end of each of the dowels using masking tape

Step 3: Cut a notch (about 1/4" down) in each end of the dowels

Step 4: Tape the dowels together in the middle so they are secure. In order to do the next step, be sure to align the notches horizontal.

Step 5: Put the string thru the notches and keep it taut.

Step 6: Lay the dowels on the paper to decide how much you will need, leaving about an inch border to wrap around the string. 

Step 7: Wrap the edges of the paper around the string and tape to secure.

Step 8: Tape the outside edge for extra protection

Step 9: Fold tissue paper and attach to additional string at the bottom to form the tail.

Step 10: Fly your kite!