Mike Wilson's Asian Kites

These kites are by Mike in the wilds of Kansas. The following are his comments:

Here are the heron, an octagon, a Chinese falcon, and a rectangle from the AKA site. All were made of bamboo and washi, painted with water colors. The octagon won an award ("most unique kite" mine was the only natural materials kite entered) in 2001 at the ninth annual Twisted Kitelines Festival in Topeka, KS. It is about 12 inches across.  The Chinese falcon has a wingspan of about 12 inches. After bridling it I gave it to a friend. The rectangle tore along a piece of bamboo the other day when I was restringing the bow in it. No warning, just riiiiiippppp. I'm going to try to back it with some lightweight but strong paper I have. It comes between aluminum printing press plates as a packing material. Mike (aka Archer)

Notes from  Mike  about this graceful Centipede:

The centipede was a long time building -- 60 to 80 hours. It took five hours alone to string it in a warehouse!  It flies pretty well on 200 lb. line. It is a two-person launch and same with landing.

I tried to use natural materials throughout. It has -- of course --- the bamboo, white glue, rice paper, raffia as stabilizers and cotton string. The face and other segments are 10 inches in diameter. The balancing horizontal spars are about 48 inches.

I learned things and tricks with this one .... using jigs in making the hoops is just one good example. I balanced each segment in two directions and I think that helps.