By Leslie Hunt
Prepare two sticks 1/8 by 1/4 by 26 inches from whitewood. Prepare another stick a bit thinner about 15 inches long. These sticks are bent after the manner described under the English Kite.
For the frame proper, prepare two sticks 1/4 inch square, one 26 inches, and the other 15 inches long. Another 1/4-inch stick about 6 inches long and a slightly thinner one of the same length will also be needed.
Bend the sticks as shown, both at the same time, if possible, and allow them to dry before releasing them from the form. The thinner stick should be bent into a semicircle, and wet again with hot water when you are ready to shape the kite. Draw the outline of the owl on paper to size, and fold over so both sides will be alike.
FIG. 32.
FRONT AND EDGE VIEWS OF THE OWL KITE
The squares are 2 by 2 inches.
It may be well to trace the curve for the forms from the pattern. Lash and glue the sticks in position as shown in Figure 32, but do not fasten the cross stick to the edges of the kite until after the kite is papered. Paper with buff paper, cutting out large eyes and making spectral eyes for the bird as described for the Imp Kite. Yellow school paper when greased makes splendid eyes for this kite. Finish the eyes with black centers.
When dry, tie the cross stick to the edges of the kite so the paper is about 3 inches from the intersection of the spine and cross stick. Thrust the remaining stick through the paper just in front of, and a little below the cross stick, allowing it to project downward. Tie a string to the front end of this stick, and draw the string to the top of the spine and tie off. Paper the triangle thus formed making a beak.
This beak is very necessary, since the kite is not a true bow kite, and it needs a keel to keep it straight.
The Owl Kite may be flown with a single bridle attached to the tip of the beak, but it flies better with a bridle attached like the Bow Kite. There is no objection to using a side bridle, if there is a tendency toward excessive rocking.
Draw in the features of the bird boldly with black, white, and yellow. Remember that the under parts of a bird are lighter in color than the butts of the wings or back.
The Owl Kite rated .94 ounce per square foot. It was a good flier.
See Also:
Dan Beard's Owl Kite
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