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Get Crafty with The Mama Edits

Karran, aka The Mama Edits shares her crafty plans for the incoming warmer weather.

With the weather beginning to feel (slightly) less wintry and spring edging into view, we've been busy thinking of venturing to activities outdoors. We’re returning to some of our favourite summer places… ones that don't rely on warm weather as a necessity.

The girls love a day at the beach and have been desperate to feel the sand on their fingertips. We're not quite there yet for a day splashing in the sea but I thought it would be a great opportunity to make some kites and take them down to our favourite beach spot and go running along with the kites flying high.

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The kites are simple to make; you can either buy a kite kit online or make your own. All you need to create your own is a piece of lightweight material or paper, some gardening canes, some string and something to make a magnificent tail.

First, cut the paper/ material into a diamond shape that's longer rather than wider (look online at kite dimensions to find your perfect shape). Take two gardening canes and cut one the length of the kite and one the width. Tie the two canes together in a cross firmly with string.

You can then either superglue each end of the kite to the respective points on the kite or fasten them by making a small hole on each corner and passing the string through the hole and around the cane. Feed the string through the hole and round the cane several times and then tie it off to secure.

We used whichever craft materials we had at home and spent the afternoon decorating the kites with paint, glitter, and decorative pieces. I then made a 'waterproof' wash with PVA glue and water and brushed it over the finished and dried kites to make them a little more weatherproof.

Once the kites were finished, we attached our rainbows tails and we were away down the beach for an afternoon of sea breeze and kite sailing! I did think afterwards that it would have been a really nice idea for the girls to write some affirmations on little how shapes, such as 'I am strong', 'I am brave', and then tied them to the tail of the kite... a little addition for next time.

We made an extra kite and left it at the beach for someone else to enjoy as a random act of kindness before seeking some warmth in a nearby cafe for some hot chocolate.

We hope you have as much fun as we did making your kites. It's such a simple activity that can be made with materials you most likely already have at home and will provide endless fun on a blustery spring day. Enjoy!