Amazing Kite for Under $5

by symsyd in Outside > Kites

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Amazing Kite for Under $5

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How to make a Kite that cost a fraction of store bought kites that flies further and much easier, my record flying distance is over 800 yards of fishing line released...I would like to hear feedback of other fun kite stories.


symsyd

Materials You Will Need

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Masking, cloth or scotch tape
Tissue Paper, a bold color is great for being able to see it when it is far away.
Curly Ting Ting the wooden sticks, they can be found at any craft store.
Scissors
String (fishing line)
-The string to put the kite together, fishing line for flying your kite. However a strong string may work fine for both.
Thumb Tack or a toothpick (for poking holes into the kite for the string)
Material for a tail, we used some ribbon

Step One:
Cut your tissue paper into a perfect square, approximately 8" square works good.

Making the Bow

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Cut three pieces if the Ting Ting wooden sticks. They need to be about 2" longer then the paper when measured diagonally.
After the sticks are cut, put two of the sticks together, secure one end with string tying it off and then begin the wind the string around both sticks, wind string to the very end.
You will then need to secure the other end of the bow with the string leaving excess string to attach both ends. You may need to mold the sticks, carefully, so that it will fit within the paper.

Setting the Arrow

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Now take the third stick and place it on the line down the center of your kite. It may be too long, just trim off the excess.
Then secure all corners of the sticks with tape, leave some of the tape overlapping off the kite to fold around for smooth edges. After folding the tape around to the other side of the kite, trim off any excess tape, careful not to cut the paper. Kites are all about balance, be sure to use the same amount of tape on both sides of the arrow for symmetry.

Attaching the Bridle and Tail

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The Bridle is the part of the kite where the string is attached directly to the kite (where you made the holes) the string will be attached to both the top and bottom of the kite and create a juncture. You will need to have enough slack to allow the bridle to run parallel to the kite without being able to cross it. (if the string is too long, the kite will be able to flip) When you tie your bridle to the bottom of the kite, you need some excess to attach your tail.
Attach the main kite flying line at the measured point (photo 3) when the point is at a 90 degree angle.

Have Fun Flying!



Your kite is now assembled. Just add the ribbon for the tail, you may need to play with the length, enough weight to keep it up, but not too heavy, for this size about 7' long works well. We used a 6 pound test fishing line for actually flying. We also attached the kite to a fishing pole due to the fact that this kite flies so high, it is insane to have to reel in all the line by hand. Have a great time flying this homemade flier! We would love to hear your stories about flying your kite! Hope you enjoy.
symsyd