Bedroom Kites

What child doesnt love flying kites? Kites are such simple toys but theyve been giving children - and adults - hours of fun for centuries. Bring the kite indoors and youll create a fun look for a childs room. Make assorted kites, from large to tiny, and use them to create a theme in your childs bedroom. Or, just make a small group of wall kites to quickly add a bit of fun to the d?cor.

When you use Styrofoam youll find that the kites are not only easy to make but inexpensive, too. Purchase very thin squares of Styrofoam -in the sizes you want for the kites - and slightly change them to make the kite shapes. Lay a square of Styrofoam in front of you so that one corner is facing you. At the left corner, go a few inches above the corner, then cut straight down to the corner facing you. Do this to the opposite side as well. This makes the diamond longer at one end, and shorter at the other, to resemble a kite. Youll find it easiest to cut the Styrofoam perfectly if you cut an old candle with a serrated knife and then use that knife to cut the Styrofoam.

There are all sorts of kites you can make depending on the materials you use. Paint just the sides of the kite, cut a piece of fabric to the shape of the kite, then glue it to the front of the Styrofoam. Or, just paint the entire kite a solid color. If you have no fabric to use you can also cover the front of the kite with gift wrap. White glue works well to hold fabric or paper to the Styrofoam. With paint markers you can create all sorts of designs on a painted kite. After you paint the kite a solid color you can use the markers to draw polka dots, stripes, geometric shapes or other designs. Make a tail for the kite by cutting a long piece of fabric or ribbon. Cut smaller pieces and tie them once, onto the long piece, and do this down the length of the tail. Space the small pieces evenly apart and end with one small piece at the very end of the tail. Make different sizes and different designs on the Styrofoam kites and hang them on the wall. Or, make small kites and attach them to lampshades, cornices, mirror corners, a bedroom trash can and other things in the room. Youll find it easy to hang the lightweight kites when you use double-sided tape or glue dots. Hang them so that they tilt this way and that, group some together, leave others hanging alone, and otherwise decorate with the kites. Youll love the look and so will your child.