For the first kite:

Three plastic straws

Transparent tape (the kind often called "Scotch tape," although that 's a brand name)

Tissue paper

Crepe paper streamers, or a plastic garbage bag

String

Scissors

Optional:

white glue

For the second kite:

A 2 to 4 millimeter-thick disposable plastic tarp, preferably in a cheerful color (available at a hardware store)

Three 1/8" thick wooden dowels, each 3' long

A roll of 2" clear plastic packaging tape

Some cloth tape

A 6' piece of 6 or 8 pound test monofilament fishing line

A fishing swivel

A small grommet tool, and two grommets

A yardstick ruler

A single-edge razor blade

A permanent marker

Plan on spending 10 minutes to an hour to assemble, depending on the kite and your skills.

2torial #0479: Learn2 Make a Kite Up, up, and away! Kiteflying is a dedicated pursuit these days, an eco-friendly sport that's destined to pop up on the sports channels soon (or has it already?). Sponsored teams compete worldwide with dual-line, Kevlar-tethered, ripstop nylon techno-dreams that cost more than most people make in a week. Ratings are awarded champagne corks are popped, and competitors go home to arise at five a.m. and practice some more. But there's another world of kites out there. In this other world, kites are made from simple materials (often found materials), tethered with cheap cotton string, and flown by folks who arise from their desks at 5 p.m. looking for something fun to do. Fortunately it's still possible to make an inexpensive kite that's fun to fly and simple to build. Get on out there and have some fun! The kites shown here have three parts. First, there's the kite fabric. Made of paper or plastic tarp, it catches the wind. The frame, made of plastic straws or wooden dowels, gives the kite its shape. And then there's the bridle, which connects the kite to the main control line (the string that you hold onto the kite with). You'll find two different kites here. One is quite simple, while the other requires a little more care to build. But the main difference between the two kites is the quality of the materials. These can be found in your local hardware store or possibly around your house. Both can be assembled inexpensively and easily. Method 1: The Paper and Straw Kite A small, simple kite that costs almost nothing to build. Method 1 - Step 1 Method 2: The Classic Scott Sled Kite The Scott Sled is another simple kite, but more durable and convenient to transport. This kite flies well in very light breezes, so long as the line is kept taut. Refer back to the What you'll need section and collect the necessary materials. Find a spacious, clean, well-lighted workplace that you can safely make cuts on (not on wood floors or rugs). Method 2 - Step 1