Japanese people have been making kites for hundreds of years.Many holidays in Japan have kites associated with them, and each region has its own traditional kite design.Want to learn how to make your own kite?Two kite designs are a fun way to start out with Japanese kite-making.Children's Day is when the carp windsock is traditionally flown, so it is a great way for kids to make one.If you are a kid, ask an adult for help making a diamond kite.
Step 1: Draw the outline of a fish with your construction paper.
On the edge of the paper opposite the fold, draw a long curve for the fish's body and a triangle for its flippers.It's a good option for younger children to just use the whole paper to make their fish.Your fish will look like a tube of rolled paper, but you won't have to draw it or cut it out.You can print out a template if you don't know how to draw fish.
Step 2: To punch the top of the paper where the mouth is, you have to cut out your outline.
The hole punch will leave two holes in the paper if the fish is folded in half.This hole will be used later to hang your windsock.You can decorate the carp when you unfold it.
Step 3: You can draw eyes and scales with pastels or markers.
There are two circles in the fish's eyes.To make the fish's scales, draw a line under the eyes and then "u" shapes going down from that line.Get creative with lots of fun colors.You can decorate it as you please.
Step 4: The windsock should be rolled into a rounded shape and stapled closed.
The edges of the fish should touch.If you roll the kite a few times, it will stay in a tube position.The edge of the windsock is where the mouth or tail is.You want the air to flow through the spaces.Glue or tape can be used to connect the edges of the carp.
Step 5: Attach streamers to the bottom and string them up.
You can use colorful ribbon or cut strips of construction paper to make streamers.Use the hole-punched spot to hang your fish.If you have plain string on hand, you can use it or use colorful yarn.As the wind blows, the carp can fill with air and act as a windsock.The carp can be hung in your home or classroom.
Step 6: The washi paper needs to be cut into a diamond shape.
The best angle for your kite is 150 degrees.The top and bottom sides should be about the same length.To cut the paper, use scissors or a blade.Be careful with the scissors if you ask an adult for help.Don't buy washi squares because they are too small for kite-making.
Step 7: Let the smooth side dry.
Make sure you use colorful pens on the smooth side of the paper because it is a rough side.If you need inspiration, look at images of traditional Japanese kites.You can try to copy their designs, but they have more complicated structures than a diamond.Erasing doesn't work well on washi paper.Allow the ink to dry.
Step 8: The kite should be folded to create crease lines.
You can unfold the kite by folding the top of it toward you.If you want to unfold the kite, fold it in half.The top and bottom corners should be connected by one of the crease lines.Just lightly crease the kite, you don't need to fold it too tightly.
Step 9: 3 bamboo spars can be cut.
The spar should be at least 25 inches in length.The two diagonal spars should be around 50 cm in length.You can cut the spars with a knife and a board.Ask an adult for help with this step if you are a kid.When working with a knife, be careful.You can use wood if you can't find bamboo spars.
Step 10: Attach the spars to the kite.
Attach them to the undecorated side of the washi paper.The middle line should be the location of the center spar.Place the first diagonal spar so that it crosses the center spar from the top.It should go past the center spar to the right.The left edge should have the diagonal spar hanging over it.On the other side, do the same for the diagonal spar.The two spars should meet in the center.
Step 11: Attach the spars by folding over the top and adding washi squares.
The spars are about 4 inch.The spar joints need to be Glued over.To secure the spars, glue a square inch piece of washi paper on the center of each line.Press firmly with your fingers.
Step 12: Attach the bridle with a toothpick.
One-third of the way down the kite, you can punch out two small holes with a toothpick.The first two holes on either side of the center spar are parallel to each other.
Step 13: Pull the bridle out of the string.
Starting from the back, thread the kite string into the hole.From the front, thread that same string through the top right hole.The bottom two holes should be used with the other end of the kite string.Attach a new piece of string to the center spar.The bow line is shown.Wrap the bow line tightly until the kite is in the middle.Take the lines of string and knot them.
Step 14: Cut strips from a plastic bag to make a kite tail.
Cut across the top of the bag to make a loop of plastic.Cut loops all the way down the bag.You might need to use more than one plastic bag if your tail is 5 times as long as your kite.The longer your tail is, the more stable your kite will be.The kite will not go very high if it is too long.
Step 15: Attach the tail of the kite to the bridle.
Attach the free end of the ball of string to the bridle.You can put your kite string in a roll or a plastic holder.Wait for a nice day to fly your kite.