How to Make a Mini Kite
I have been self-quarantining for over five weeks now. In that time, the only access I have to the outside world is my balcony, which I feel so blessed to have. As the weather in chilly Chicago warms up to the spring sun, there’s nothing I want more than to go outside and enjoy the nice weather. To enjoy this nice weather while maintaining a six-foot distance from the world, I decided to fly a kite. Kite-flying is a relaxing and fun way to enjoy the fresh spring air, and lucky for me, it’s also something I can do on my balcony.
To make this kite, you will need:
A plastic bag
Wooden coffee stirrers, popsicle sticks, or straws
String
Scissors
Glue or tape (optional, but saves time and patience)
Markers (optional)
1. To begin, take two coffee stirrers and make a cross, then use string or glue to secure them in place. Then cut a piece of string long enough to go around the perimeter of the kite plus a couple more inches. Now, tie the end of the string to the top vertex of the kite and continue tying it around each vertex until the string makes a diamond.
2. Place the kite frame on the plastic bag and make a mark above each vertex. Then, make a line about 2-3 cm long extending from the point and make a dot where the line ends. Now, connect the dots. Design a pattern on the plastic using permanent markers and then cut it out.
3. Place the good-side of the design down and place the kite frame on top. From each vertex of the design, make a small extending to the top of the corresponding vertex of the kite frame. Now, fold each tab over the string and secure it with glue or tape.
4. Cut a piece of string twice the length of a coffee stirrer. Tie each end of the string to each end of the horizontal bar of the kite frame. Then, cut a piece of string about three arm-lengths long and tie one end to the middle of the string tied to the crossbar. Tie the other end of the string to a coffee stirrer and wind the string up to a manageable length.
