Kid Fun! Make Your Own Kite! AmeriClean Newsletter - April & May 2009
It's easy and fun for kids of all ages.
Looking for a fun, easy spring activity? Why not build a kite—and
then try it out? It’s easy—and your kids will love seeing their
handiwork take flight!
You’ll need two lengths of doweling rod (one 16 inches long and one
24 inches long); some strong, thin string; a large piece of stiff paper;
and ribbons or cloth for the kite’s tail. To assemble the kite, you’ll use
glue and scissors.
Just follow some simple steps below.
1. Measure and mark each dowelling rod—mark the 16-inch piece at half its length and the 24-inch piece at a third of its length.
2. Position the rods at right angles so they touch and the marks match up. The rods will form a cross shape.
3. Bind the rods with string where they meet. Tie a strong knot and cut off excess string.
4. Use a utility knife to cut notches in both ends of both rods.
5. Put string in the notch at the top of the kite frame and wind it around the doweling rod so it’s secure.
6. Draw the string tightly around the frame so it fits snugly in each notch at the end of the rods. When you get back to the top of the frame, tie a knot.
7. Put the frame on top of the paper and cut the paper to fit, leaving about ½ inch extra all the way around the frame.
8. Put glue on the edges of the paper and fold it in so it encloses the rods and the string—and secures itself to the paper inside the frame.
9. Tie a length of string (just a bit longer than the rod) to each end of the shorter rod—and each end of the longer rod.
10. Pick up the two strings and find the point where they meet. Tie them together with more string—this is where you’ll attach the kite string for flying.
11. Make a tail by using glue to secure ribbons
or cloth to the bottom of the kite.
"Todd does a wonderful job! He is always pleasant and courteous. My carpets get really dirty (kids, dogs, etc) and they always look new when he is done. Thanks for a job well done — Todd and AmeriClean!"
