Herald Flyer

With spring just around the corner, the pleasant temps and blustery breezes will be perfect for launching and flying a kite.

The Herald not only recommends kite making and flying as a great family activity, but the newspaper can be an important ingredient in your project.

Here is a list of the materials to make your own Herald high flyer:

• one two-foot-long dowel rod or stick
• one three-foot-long dowel rod or stick
• two sections of newspaper
• String and kite line
• Tools (Scissors and white glue)

Here’s how to put it together:

   1. Begin by placing the three-foot-long stick vertically, then place the two-foot-long stick horizontally on top of the longer stick (about one foot from the top) to create a cross.

   2. Use a piece of string to tie the two sticks together around the joint. Wrap it around several times until the sticks are secure. Use glue to secure the end of the string.

   3. Carefully cut a small notch in all four ends of the sticks.

   4. Starting at the bottom notch in the cross, wrap a piece of string all the way around the cross, securing the string in each of the four notches. When you get back to the bottom of the cross, tie the string in a knot. This will serve as your kite’s frame.

   5. You’ll need to glue the two sections of newspaper together to have a large enough piece to cover your kite.

   6. Put the newspaper a flat surface and place your kite frame on top of the paper leaving enough for a two-inch border. Then, cut around the shape of the frame.

   7. Fold the border of paper over the frame and secure with glue.

   8. To make the kite’s bridle, cut a 3 1/2 foot piece of string, and tie one end of the string around the top of the frame. Make a small loop one-third of the way down the string and tie it in a knot. Tie the open end of the string to the bottom of the frame.

   9. To make the kite’s tail, tie a six-foot long piece of string to the bottom of the frame. Then tie pieces of newspaper crumpled into “bow ties” at intervals along the sring.

  10. Tie your kite line to the loop in the bridle and give your kite a try!

Flying Tips

Wind that is too strong or too light is difficult to fly in. About 5-25 mph is best for most kites (when leaves and bushes start to move, but before it really starts to blow).

Your flying space should be a clear, open area. The more room you have, the more line you can let out.

Stand with your back to the wind. Hold your kite up by the bridle point and let the line out. If there is sufficient wind, your kite will go right up. Let the kite fly away from you a little, then pull in on the line as the kite points up so it will climb. Repeat this until your kite gains the altitude necessary to find a good steady wind.