Rice Paper Kite

It is almost certain that kite originated in China around 200 B.C. From there, it spread rapidly throughout Asia. Traditional Chinese kites were covered with rice paper or silk. Rice paper used as kite covering material has a very respectable history in this craft. It is light, easy to work with, inexpensive, can be very strong and decorated in many ways.

• Bamboo spars
• Rice paper
• Glue
• Thread
• Lines

1. Frame
   The Chinese framing materials for kite have remained the same to this day: bamboo. Bamboo is extremely light and flexible and very easy to work with.
   Make frame pieces from the same nodal part of bamboo. If it is a 20" kite, make spars 3/16" in thickness. Tie two spars of same length together by thread with bamboo skin facing the same side. This will be the face of kite, facing the wind.
   
   
   
   
2. Sail
   Many rice paper can be used as kite covering. Bear in mind the size of a kite when choosing paper. A thin paper on a large kite may not be durable under wind pressure. The paper may be torn by wind. Conversely, heavy paper might weigh down a small kite unnecessarily.
   Glue rice paper over the face of kite. At the back of kite, glue reinforcement paper tabs. And paint the face of kite as desired.
   
   
   
   
3. Bridle line
   Burn two holes by incense beside spars at corners and center of the kite. Use these holes as the attachment points for kite bridle and tail. Tie bridle line at point 1 and 2 and flying line at point 3. Then tie a knot at towing point.
   
   
   
   
4. Tail
   Tie tail line at back of the kite at point 4 and 5. Make the fork 1.5 - 2 times of the kite and tail 5 times of the fork. Attach paper tassels.