How to make a flying Origami kite

Kiteboarding
Kites: learn how to make a flying Origami kite in less than 10 minutes

Origami is the ancient art of paper folding. Kites were probably invented in China around 500 BC. Let's blend both crafts and make a simple, high-flying Origami kite.

It's feasible, and it only takes less than 10 minutes to get a small and stylish paper kite flying up in the sky.

It will impress kids and keep adults entertained for a long time.

Here's what you need to produce an eye-catching Origami kite:

Materials

  • A square piece of colored paper
  • Thin nylon/fishing string
  • Tape
  • Steel nail
  • Straight pin
  • Plastic grocery sack

Origami Kite 101

Now, let's create a real flying Origami kite:

  1. Make a Valley Fold, i.e., take your paper from one corner to the other, and fold it together;
  2. Now, you've got a triangle;
  3. With your paper facing with the opening out to the right, take the point of the triangle and fold it back to the crease or line;
  4. Flip the kite over and do the same on the other side, so it'll mirror the initial side;
  5. From the last fold made, take the point of the paper and fold it over to the opposite edge;
  6. Flip it over, and do the same on the other side;
  7. Both sides now look the same;
  8. Take hold of each of the flaps sticking out and pull them out so the kite can stand upright;
  9. Cut three pieces of tape and reinforce the areas where the three holes will go - one in the tail and two in the wings;
  10. Use the straight pin and then the steel nail to make the three holes through the tape;
  11. Thread the string from one wing to the other and tie two knots on both ends;
  12. Now, the tail: cut a ring out of a plastic bag and then cut it in half;
  13. Get one end of the plastic tail through the bottom hole of your kite;
  14. Put a piece of tape to hold it in place;
  15. Attach the main string onto the front of the kite;

See? Here's an Origami kite design that only requires a few folds. Now, get outside and fly it!