About

Starting with strips of cedar up to about 5 feet long, you'll decide the height and width of your kite, and cut the strips to length. You'll glue and lash the main pieces, wrap string around the ends to outline a diamond shape, and cut the paper to match but slightly oversize. Kites can be made from many kinds of paper or even plastic, but mulberry paper is particularly prized. It's entirely natural, not plastic, yet it is both lightweight and strong because the fibers are long and overlap.

Final steps include gluing edges of the paper over the perimeter string and flexing the frame — the step that needs two pairs of hands — so it bows gently. This enables your kite to hold more air and fly high. You'll knot strips of fabric into a tail to add stability. Then, assuming the weather is dry, you can give your kite a test run in the driveway or in BARN's overflow parking field.

Details

• This family-friendly class is designed for youth at least 10 years old, ideally accompanied by an adult.
• Unaccompanied youth also can participate with help from volunteers from the Woodworking & Small Boatbuilding Studio. 

Details

A $20 materials fee, included in the class fee, covers everything you need.

Class Policies

• Open to youth 10 to 16 years old. Please bring an adult assistant or register as "assistant needed" so we know how many adult volunteers to recruit.
• You must wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid dangling clothing and jewelry. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.