The Kitebuilder.com Forum

[stevef]

Another contribution from a Kite Studio customer. This one is called "The Shield" by Mike Gee.

"The kite I was asked to build was to include the Louisiana Purchase and the expedition route on which Lewis and Clark set fourth.

When I started this project, my mind flooded with many different ideas on the shape and theme of the kite.

The kite I chose to build was my first choice of about 6 different shapes and variations. Once I decided on the shape, I made an outline as to what I wanted to emphasize in the body of the kite.

Direction was the number one item of importance for me, not only for the obvious reasons of travel, but for the direction of exploration and advancement of the nation. I thought I could best do this with a reminder of the compass, thus noting the letters of direction.

The Native Americans that Lewis and Clark befriended along this uncharted area proved to be an invaluable source of information and new lifetime relationships. This brings me to the second element of my kite. When you take that first look at the kite, I wanted an "Indian theme" to come to mind. This is why the kite is in the shape of an Indian shield. I also extended the cross spar past the boundaries of the kite, supporting the tail attachments to signify a ceremonial shield look.

Now I had to focus on the body of the kite. Two things first came to mind, "Visions of Lewis and Clark" theme and my particular theme of the map route and the Louisiana Purchase. I chose to put an outline of an eye in the center of the kite, encompassing the Louisiana Purchase within the vision. Exploring the land purchased from France was as important as walking on the moon. Lewis and Clark expanded our vision with the exploration and the relations they established on this epic journey. "


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[stevef]

"Lewis and Clark" by Deb Lenzen




Deb Lenzen lives in Garrison, North Dakota which is near Lake Sakakawea, a part of the historic Missouri River system. Deb has lived her whole life in the shadow of the amazing history of the Lewis and Clark
expedition. So Lewis and Clark are not just historic figures to
her...but an important part of her personal history as well.

The 9 foot kite is the first rokkaku style kite made by Deb and also the
largest kite to come off her sewing table. The size alone was a
challenge since her sewing is done on her kitchen table. The material
used is 3/4 ounce Ripstop nylon sewn with an applique technique. It is
framed in fiberglass.
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Go Build a Kite!

[stevef]

Rose Tree by Steve Ferrel



By day, Private Pierre Cruzatte’s official duty on the Lewis and Clark expedition was lead boatman. He navigated the rivers, avoided the obstacles, and ensured the safe journey on the waters for men of The Corps of Northwest Discovery. By night however, Cruzatte was an “extremely well playing” musician. Like the water in the river, his music flowed by the glow of the moon and the light of the fire. While the men danced, the flames gave rise to tangles of smoke that also danced... to the most popular tune of the day… Rose Tree.

Pierre’s wood fiddle, with strings made from sheep-gut and bow from horsehair, played the songs that diverted the men’s minds from their daily struggles. The universal language of music and dance facilitated Indian negotiations and helped form our Nation’s roots in the West.

Follow this link for more information and pictures of this kite and it's tail here:
http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=405
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Go Build a Kite!

[windjunkie]

A very beautiful and artistic kite. Steve you are a MASTER!!!
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If we had enough string, I bet it would fly...

[knotronda]

dbd,

Nice job!!! Are you going to bring it to Ft Worden? I'll see you both there. Gotta go. Again, dinner is getting cold. (You would think that all I do is eat?!?!)

knot(ty)ronda