When the sun shines and fresh breezes blow, eveyone just wants to get outside and play. But no one wants to waste hours indoors crafting a toy. These kites are quick to assemble, but they'll provide hours of fun.

Take a look at a larger image of the finished craft.

You need:
36-inch (90 cm) 1/8-inch wooden dowel
Roll of kite string
1 sheet wrapping paper (at least 45 cm/18 inches square)
Crêpe paper streamers
Craft glue, twist tie, clear adhesive tape
Ruler, pencil, utility knife, scissors, bone folder (optional)

To make:
1. Measure 40 cm (16 inches) from one end of dowel and mark with pencil. With utility knife, carefully cut through dowel at mark.

2. Measure 20 cm (8 inches) from one end of each piece of dowel and mark with pencil.

3. Place long dowel on work surface and dab small amount of craft glue onto dowel at pencil mark. Place short dowel on top of long dowel, matching pencil marks and arranging dowels perpendicular to each other to form cross. Secure dowels by wrapping securely with twist tie.

4. Using utility knife, carefully cut 5 mm (1/4-inch) horizontal slit in ends of crossed dowels.

5. Tie small slipknot in end of kite string; slip string into slit at top of cross and tighten knot securely. Working clockwise, slip string into each of remaining three slits, keeping string taut but not tight enough to bend dowels. Tie off string just under original slipknot and trim; secure both knots with dab of glue.

6. Place kite frame on wrong side of wrapping paper and trace; set frame aside. Using pencil and ruler, mark second outline, 2.5 cm (1 inch) outside original shape. With scissors, cut around second outline. Lightly score fold along inner lines.

7. Matching corners and securing with small pieces of tape, place kite frame on wrong side of paper form. Working clockwise from top right, fold paper over string, creasing folds with bone folder (if using) and securing edges with glue or strips of tape.

8. Cut lengths of crêpe paper as desired to form kite tail and secure to bottom point of kite using glue or tape.

9. Cut 40 cm (16-inch) length string for kite bridle; tie one end securely to dowel at top of kite. Tie loop knot in string about 18 cm (7 inches) from top; tie end of string to dowel at bottom of kite. Secure top and bottom knots with dab of glue. Tie roll of kite string to loop knot.

10. Go fly your kite!

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This story was originally titled "Come Fly With Me" in the May 2010 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

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