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Springtime in our neck of the woods is always accompanied by a lot of wind, so to celebrate the start of our windy season my boys crafted some super cool paper kites. Kite making has been on our crafting bucket list for a while now, so when I received this box of Apple Barrel paint, stencils, and Mod Podge Washout I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it.
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To make your own paper kites you need:
- Two wooden dowels (ours were 1/4″ and 1/8″ in diameter because we used what we had on hand), cut to 33″ and 24″ lengths.
- 36″ wide sheet of paper (or several smaller sheets taped together to make a large one)
- Apple Barrel acrylic paints
- Twine
- Tape
- Ribbon or fabric scraps
- Optional: Mod Podge Washout, stencils, and patterned paper for embellishment
Be sure to wear an apron or art smock to protect your clothing when using acrylic paint, but don’t worry too much about messy hands or brushes – it’s all part of the fun process! Apple Barrel paint washes off easily with soap and water while it’s still wet, so it’s perfect for kids’ projects. I like to keep a stack of baby wipes handy for messy fingers.
The boys were pretty pleased with their paintings, but they wanted to add a final dash of pizazz, so we cut some shapes from patterned paper and used the Mod Podge Washout to decoupage them onto the kite paper. Mod Podge Washout is fantastic for kids because it washes out of clothing and furniture with soap and water, even when dry – no pre-soaking necessary! Not that I’d know anything about that 😉
This next step is easier to show through pictures than words, so please take a look at the photos to illustrate what I mean. Find the mid-point of the two sections of the longer dowel and use scissors or a craft knife to cut a small slit in the kite at those locations. You may want to reinforce the holes with a small piece of tape on each side of the kite.
Tie a length of twine to the dowel at the first slit location and feed the string through the slit to the front side of the kite. Feed the string back through the other slit and finish by tying it to the dowel on the back side of the kite. Make sure that the string is NOT pulled tightly on the front side of the kite, but that it has a good amount of slack in it to create the kite’s bridle.
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Heidi Kundin has captivated the hearts of millions with her colorful and inspiring approach to crafting, celebrations, and family fun. With over 15 years of experience, Happiness is Homemade has become a must-visit destination for those seeking quick and easy creative ideas and last-minute solutions. Heidi’s warm personality shines through her posts, inviting readers to join her on a creative journey that’s fun, rewarding, and achievable. Heidi is also the author of Homemade Bath Bombs & More and DIY Tie-Dye.