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Guide to Crafting Various Kite Shapes
For centuries, Japanese artisans have crafted exquisite kites. Each Japanese region boasts its unique kite designs, often tied to festive occasions. Eager to master the art of Japanese kite-making? Numerous methods exist, but starting with these two designs promises a delightful journey. The carp windsock, flown traditionally on Children’s Day, proves perfect for kids. Meanwhile, the diamond kite, though more challenging, offers a rewarding challenge—just remember to seek adult assistance if needed.
Steps
Creating a Japanese Carp Windsock
Fold construction paper in half lengthwise and sketch the fish outline. On the unfolded paper edge, sketch a lengthy curve for the fish body and triangles at the base for fins. Alternatively, utilize the entire paper rectangle, simplifying the fish design—a suitable option for young children. This method yields a basic paper tube resembling a fish, eliminating the need for drawing and cutting.
- If unsure of drawing skills, consider using an online template.
Transform your outline and punch a hole at the top where the mouth is. Fold the fish in half ensuring the hole punch makes two holes. This will be used later for hanging your carp windsock.
- Afterwards, unfold the carp for decoration.
Use pastels or markers to depict eyes and scales. Create two circles for eyes near the fish's top. Draw a line below the eyes for gills, then add overlapping 'u' shapes downwards to form scales.
- Explore various colors and let your creativity flow. It's your creation, decorate as you desire.
Shape the carp windsock into a cylindrical form and seal with staples. Ensure the fish's edges meet. Roll the kite until it maintains a tubular shape. Staple along the carp's edge, avoiding the mouth and tail areas to allow airflow.
- Alternatively, glue or tape can be used to connect the carp's edges.
Attach streamers at the base and string at the top. Streamers can be party streamers, colorful ribbon, or strips of construction paper. Hang the carp using string through the punched hole. Utilize plain string or colorful yarn for added vibrancy.
- If hung outside, the carp can function as a windsock, inflating with air as the breeze blows.
- Indoors, the carp can enhance your home or classroom decor.
Creating a Diamond Kite
Shape your washi paper into a diamond. Aim for a top angle of around 150 degrees. Cut the top sides to approximately 16 inches (41 cm) and the bottom sides to around 20 inches (51 cm).
- Use sharp scissors or a rotary blade for cutting.
- Seek adult assistance and handle scissors with care.
- Ensure not to purchase origami washi squares, as they'll be too small for kite-making.
Adorn the smooth surface and allow it to dry. Washi paper has two sides: smooth and rough. Decorate using colorful pens or paint on the smooth side. The decoration can be personalized, or you can draw inspiration from traditional Japanese kite designs, which tend to be more intricate than a diamond shape.
- Erasing is ineffective on washi paper.
- Allow the ink to dry thoroughly before proceeding.
Create fold lines on the kite's surface. Fold the top of the kite towards you by 2 inches (5.1 cm), then unfold. Next, fold the kite in half lengthwise and unfold. This process should result in crease lines connecting the corners.
- Lightly crease the folds; excessive pressure is unnecessary.
Prepare 3 bamboo spars. The vertical spar should measure around 25 inches (64 cm), while the two diagonal spars should be approximately 20 inches (51 cm) each. Cut the spars using a sharp knife and cutting board. If you're a child, seek adult supervision for safety.
- Exercise caution when handling the knife.
- If bamboo spars are unavailable, wooden doweling can be used as an alternative.
Secure the spars onto the kite. Affix them to the undecorated side of the washi paper. Position the center spar along the faintly folded middle line. Place the first diagonal spar to intersect the center spar 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the top, extending halfway to the right. The spar should protrude about halfway past the center spar on the left edge. Repeat the process for the second diagonal spar on the opposite side.
- Ensure both diagonal spars converge at the center point.
Secure the spars by folding the top and attaching washi squares. Fold the top two sides over the spars by approximately 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm). Apply glue to stabilize the top fold over the spar joints. Affix a square inch piece of washi paper at the center of each line to further secure the spars. Press firmly until the glue sets.
Create bridle holes using a toothpick. Using a toothpick, punch two small holes on each side of the center spar, one-third down from the top of the kite. Repeat this process one-third up from the bottom of the kite to create two more holes parallel to the first set.
Fashion the bridle from string. Thread kite string through the top left hole, starting from behind, then through the top right hole, starting from the front. Repeat this with the bottom two holes using the other end of the kite string. Tie a new string from the top to the bottom of the center spar, forming the bow line.
- Wind the bow line tightly until the kite bends slightly in the middle.
- Gather the string lines together and tie them securely.
Create a tail for your kite using strips from a plastic bag. Cut loops approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide from the top of the bag, avoiding the handles. Continue cutting loops down the bag, then tie them together. The tail should be about 5 times the length of your kite.
- A longer tail enhances kite stability, but excessive length may hinder altitude.
Attach the tail to the bottom of the kite and secure the kite string to the bridle. Fasten the loose end of the string to the bridle. Your kite string can be wound on a roll or a plastic holder.
- Wait for a windy day and enjoy flying your kite!
Helpful Tips
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If you've mastered these simple kites, challenge yourself with more intricate designs like the rokkaku or the chochin kites.
Materials Needed
Materials for Making a Carp Windsock
- Construction paper
- Hole punch
- String
- Streamers
- Markers or pastels
Creating a Diamond Kite
- Washi paper
- Paints or markers
- Bamboo spars
- Glue
- Thread
- Toothpicks
- Plastic bag
