Flutter Flight Kite

crayola supplies

household supplies

Why

Enjoy making these decorative butterfly-wing kites with the whole family. Brighten your backyard for a colorful picnic, or let kites flutter from the ceiling!

Steps

  1. 1. This delicate butterfly-wing kite is perfect for colorful decorating! To make the butterfly wings, fold a large piece of construction paper in half. With Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils, draw a capital B with the straight side of the letter on the fold. Or design your own imaginative symmetrical butterfly.
  2. 2. Using Crayola Scissors, cut around the butterfly wings. Cut a small triangle in the center of the fold. This opening will help the kite flutter like a butterfly when you hang it up.
  3. 3. Open the butterfly. Design its intricate wings and body with Crayola Crayons. Make deep colors by overlaying light coats of various crayon colors. Outline lighter colors in dark so each section stands out.
  4. 4. If necessary, reinforce edges and the fold with masking tape to strengthen your kite.
  5. 5. Cut several long pieces of ribbon. Add designs on the ribbons with crayons. Use Crayola School Glue to attach ribbons to the back of the kite so they dangle. Dry.
  6. 6. In sunny weather, hang your decorative kite on a porch or tree branch. Bring it indoors to flutter by a breezy window.

When & Where

"We hung several of these kites around our garden for a neighborhood picnic. Such creative decorating!"
- Jeff & Kathy C., parents of 4-year-old.

"Kids did research to make their kites look like giant butterflies. They are floating from the stairwell!"
- Karli T., teenage babysitter.

Interesting Info

Butterflies' wings are transparent. They are covered with scales that overlap like shingles on a roof. These iridescent scales give their wings a rainbow of colors.

Safety Guidelines

Kites— CAUTION: Do not fly over or near electric power lines, trees, buildings, radio-TV antennas, or any other obstruction. Avoid flying over spectators, moving traffic, within 5 miles (8.05 km) of an airport, or more than 400 ft. (121.92 m) high. Fly in an open area. NEVER fly a kite in extremely high winds, in thunderstorms, or with wire, wet twine, metallic string, or cord containing any conductive or metallic materials whatsoever. Do not try to recover a kite from electric power lines or other high or dangerous places.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.

© 2000 - 2006 Binney & Smith, Inc.