Build a Simple Diamond Kite
One of the easiest kites to build is a simple "Diamond Kite". Here are the plans. You will need only a few inexpensive items that you can easily obtain at your local dollar store. Are you ready? Let's go...
The picture above shows the materials that you will need to build your diamond kite. You will need:
01) Some wrapping paper or white kitchen garbage bags for the actual kite material.
02) Some lightweight wooden dowels or sticks for the frame of the kite.
03) Some string for the kite line. Dental floss is a great replacement.
04) Ribbon or roll of crepe paper for the tail.
05) Scissors.
06) Glue.
07) Tape.
08) Marking Pen.
09) Design to transfer (if you have one).
10) A bit of time and a sunny disposition.
Cut the dowels or sticks to the appropriate length, and place them in a "T" fashion over the kite material, as shown above.
Use some of the string or dental floss to securely tie the sticks together (as shown above).
Next, cut a simple notch and run a length of string or dental floss through it. Tie the ends of the string together, as shown in the pictures above (and below).
Place the kite frame on the kite material, and with your marking pen, draw a line roughly 1" around the kite frame.
Cut the kite material along the line that you have just created.
Fold the edge of the kite material over the string that forms the exterior of the kite frame.
Now that you know where the material will overlap the kite frame, glue it in place.
Tape the edges of the material overlap to add extra strength to the frame.
Cut away any extra material.
If you have a design for your kite, transfer it to the kite material now. It's a good idea to sketch it first on a piece of paper first.
You will need some leads that will form the transition from the kite to the kite string.
The leads should be secured to the ends of the sticks, and then overlap at the front of the kite.
One of your final steps is to add a tail. Use the ribbon or crepe paper for this purpose. You will need to experiment with the length a bit. You want a tail that is long enough to provide stability, but not so long that it will prevent your kite from taking off. You can adjust this once you get to the beach.
Congratulations...all your hard work has paid off.
Up, up, and away!
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