Friday, May 20, 2011

Up, Up, and Away!!!: A quick and Easy Guide to Spring Time Fun 3-29-2011

by Robyn Bird
   

     
      With the West Virginia winter weather keeping so many people inside, spring is finally here to end the local hibernation. So, in the words of Dick Van Dyke, ‘Let’s go fly a kite!’ and the gusty April weather makes flying a kite one of the quickest remedies from cabin fever.
    Kites are easy to create and can be made from a variety of materials such as newspapers, plastic, and wrapping paper. Creating and designing a unique kite with loved ones can become a great memory leaving
Many to say, ‘Remember the time we...’
    A quick kite is one that can be almost completely made from materials found at a local McDonald’s.
Materials:
-McDonald’s paper bag
-5-10 McDonald’s straws
-Craft glue
-Clear Packing tape
-Kite string/ fishing line
Instructions:
    -Fold the bottom of the bag inside of itself, reinforcing the sides of the bag. Use the craft glue to assure
That the bottom stays folded in.
    -Use craft glue to attach the straws around the edges of the new opening. Next, use the clear packing tape to further secure the straws, but be sure to not cover the opening at any end.
    -Thread a length of string about two feet long through one of the straws on the longer side of the bag
Then, tie it off creating a loop.
    -Finally, tie the rest of your flying string to the loop and let your kite fly!
    This type of kite is called a box kite and, according to Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Australia, was originally created by Lawrence Hargrave in 1893 while he was developing a flying machine.
    More commonly seen in America is the Eddy kite, commonly referred to as a diamond kite. This kite is
made with just two rods.
    -Start by deciding the size of the kite and cut out the amount of material needed. Draw, paint, and design a unique pattern that will make the kite stand out while it is flying in the air.
    -Next, tape the rods to the cloth or paper. Additional support may be needed around the edges of the kite depending on size, but tape or additional sticks may provide the extra structural support needed.
    -Finally, tie of the length of flying string and this kite is ready for the skies.
    Flying a kite is for every one of all ages so doesn’t be afraid to try something new this spring!

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