Chinese kite making is considered an art form in China, and in some Chinese families, kite-making techniques and patterns have been passed down for generations.Chinese kite making involves using bamboo and paper to make kites that can range from the size of a postcard to several feet high.
Step 1: Look for high quality bamboo.
Chinese kites are made from strips of bamboo.There are specialty art supply shops that sell bamboo.The frame for the kite is cut from the bamboo using a knife.Thin wooden dowels from your art supply store can be used if you can't find bamboo.The Chinese way of making kites uses bamboo.
Step 2: You can choose between silk or long fiber paper.
Chinese kites are usually made from long fiber paper.At your local fabric store, you can find thin silk and long fiber paper.Long fiber paper is known for being strong and light.Kites made with silk are more high quality than kites made from paper.Kite makers use construction paper for their kites.If you don't have access to silk or specialty paper, you can use a newspaper.
Step 3: There are other supplies for the kite.
To make sure you have everything you need for the kite, you should have: plain paper, masking tape, glue, scissors, Twine, thread, and a needle.
Step 4: There is a design for the kite.
The Chinese kite designs vary from simple fighting kites that are small and quick to the more complex dragon, goldfish, and swallow-shaped kites.As you become more proficient at shaping, you may want to choose a simpler design for your first Chinese kite.A design in the shape of an animal could be considered.Animals are depicted in Chinese kites.You should go for a shape with equal material on both sides of the kite, no matter what animal you choose.It is possible to choose a diamond or circle as the shape for your kite.You could use animal images to decorate the diamond or circle.
Step 5: The body of the kite should be made.
The body of the kite should be made after you have selected a kite design.The kite can be made from a sheet of paper.Draw or trace an image of the animal you are going to use for the kite.You can trace one butterfly wing on one side of the piece of paper if you are using a butterfly shape.You can cut out the wings by folding the piece of paper in half.This will make sure you have a symmetrical kite.The same process can be used for both diamond and circle shapes.
Step 6: The kite should be covered with a piece of paper.
You should cover the kite body with a piece of paper, newspaper, or thin silk if you want it to be strong and durable.If you are using thin silk, you should be careful as you don't want to tear the silk.Place the kite in the middle of the paper.Cut out the kite from the paper.Attach the cover to the kite with tape on the sides.
Step 7: The kite needs to be decorated.
When the kite is flat, it is easier to decorate it.Draw designs on the kite with paints, markers, or colored pencils.Draw in details found in nature, such as butterfly wing designs or bird feathers, if you are using an animal shape.When the kite is flying in the wind, use bright colors to make it look pretty.You can still make representations of animals on the kite if you use a diamond or circle shape.Cut out images of your favorite animal and paste them on the kite or draw images that are colorful and interesting.
Step 8: Put oil on the kite.
According to Chinese tradition, the kite body is usually treated with tung oil or Chinawood oil.This will allow the paper to be light.You can skip this step if you don't have access to tung oil.
Step 9: The kite should be framed with bamboo or wooden sticks.
If you want the kite to stay in the sky, make a frame with bamboo or wooden dowels.You will need to cut the bamboo to fit the shape of the kite.If you want the bamboo to cross over the center of the kite, you have to cut it.One piece will go in one direction and the other in another, forming a T shape on the kite.Wrap the end of the wooden dowels in masking tape so that they don't pierce through the paper and damage your kite.The bamboo will form a T shape if you lay it down.Use twine to hold the two pieces of the kite together.If you don't want the middle of the dowels to come off the kite, you can use glue or masking tape to secure the pieces.The bamboo should be secured to the kite.Attach the bamboo to the kite with masking tape.The tape should be five inches below the edge of the kite.
Step 10: The frame can be finished with twine.
If you want to outline the shape of the kite, Wrap the twine around the tip of one dowel and then run it through the other.As you wrap the twine around the dowels, keep the taut twine.You can knot the twine around the end of the towel.Wrap the twine with a piece of tape.Wrap the tape around the twine.The paper should be folded over the twine to finish the frame.Spread glue over the edges of the dowels.Press the edges over the string.The twine frame needs to stay attached to the kite body.
Step 11: Attach the string to the bridle.
The bridle string is used to help fly the kite.It is usually three times longer than your kite.The bridle string is attached to the kite at both ends of the frame.If you measure the bridle string with measuring tape, it will be at least three times as long as your kite.Once you have measured the string, tie one end of it to the bottom of the kite.You can thread the string through the paper on the decorated side after knotting it.This will make sure the decorated image is visible when you fly the kite.You can thread the other end of the string through the paper.It should be tied to the top of the piece of wood.The front or decorated side of the kite should have the bridle string hanging from it.Put your finger down on the string from the top of the kite.The kite reel will be attached to the string at this point.At the 17” point, make a loop in the string.
Step 12: The kite reel should be made.
The kite reel is used to help the kite fly.You can use thread or twine to make a kite reel.Other options include using wood or heavy cardboard.Attach the kite reel to the bridle string with a rope.The kite reel string should be tied under the knot on the bridle string.Attach the wooden dowel with tape after sliding it through the thread.The kite reel will be able to release thread when the kite is in the air.
Step 13: The kite has a tail.
Add a tail to the kite.The tail should be at least one and a half times the length of the kite's spine.The kite will fly straight if the tail is longer.The kite can fly in a straight line with the help of the tail.A tail that is one long string or several strings is possible.Attach the tail to the bottom end of the kite with tape.
Step 14: There is an outdoor area where you can fly the kite.
Kites can fly in an open area.You can choose a day with winds that are not too light or strong.Kites can get tangled and become damaged if flown near power lines.