Quick, Colorful Kites

Why

Take your next family outing to colorful new heights! Transform paper grocery bags into kites with tails that flutter in the wind.

Steps

1. Color a kite. Fold and tear a kite from a brown paper bag. You could make it a dazzling diamond, box, sled, star, Chinese serpent, or any shape kite. Decorate it with Crayola Construction Paper™ Crayons. The colors are intense, so you’ll want to fill both sides with designs!

2. Tape on a tail. Tear short strips of construction paper. Color them, too, if you wish. Tie or tape strips on a long piece of yarn. Tape the tail to the bottom of your kite.

3. Run! With your family or other grown-up, go outdoors. Hold your kite and run as fast as you can so your kite tail flutters. Why not hang your kite indoors for a bright accent?

Safety Guidelines

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.

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.

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.

Related Crafts

Crafts

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Supplies

crayola supplies
  • Construction Paper™ Crayons
  • Construction Paper
household supplies
  • yarn
  • recycled paper grocery bag
  • clear adhesive tape

Where & When

"The girls made these easy kites and raced with them. They were so colorful to watch. We’re going to do this craft at our next family reunion."
Tara J., girl scout leader.  

"These kites are amazing! All the neighbor kids want to make them."
Krystal I., teenage babysitter.


Interesting Info

In 1752, Benjamin Franklin used a kite to prove that lightning was electricity.