KITEBUILDER NEWS ~ JANUARY 2009
Hello kitebuilders, happy New Year! Despite the US economy, Kite Studio fared very well in 2008 and I need to thank all of you for your support. I know we experienced some order filling delays throughout the year - these were due mostly to production problems at the manufacturing level. We have great relationships with all our vendors and we have been told that many of the problems in ’08 have been resolved. So I am looking forward to the coming twelve months to test their production.
The activity levels in the catalog and forum have been great and I anticipate they will continue throughout 2009. This morning I added a new translation service to the website so our non-english speaking visitors have something to read. I have many more new features to implement so be sure to check back often.
KITE & KITEBUILDER OF THE YEAR
Its that time of year again... Who deserves to be crowned of 2008 KiteBUILDER of the Year? Which kite deserves the honor of 2008 KITE of the Year? Even if you are not an active member of the forum, check out the nominations – They are fantastic kites created by great kitebuilders. Click the links below.
KITE of the year - 2008 was a wonderful year for kitebuilding... many new designs, beautiful graphics, and impressive flights were reported throughout the year. I know it was difficult to pick out nominations for the best, but now I am going to ask members to make a much more difficult decision. The 2007 Kite of the Year was John Whibley's "Cody" Which will it be for 2008?
KITEBUILDER of the year - This is always a difficult decision, perhaps even more so than Kite of the Year. Each of the nominees (and many other forum members) deserve so much credit and appreciation for the amount time they spend answering questions, asking questions, motivating participation, helping newcomers, building kites, sharing knowledge, expressing a positive attitude, and a whole lot more. This place wouldn’t be the same without them. But we can only crown one of them this year. Last year it was Jimbo… who’s it gonna be this year?
To vote you must be a registered forum member. All votes must be received by February 1, 2009.
ONLINE KITEBUILDING PROJECT
I am pleased to announce a new kitebuilder.com online workshop! Bill Wilson from Nova Scotia, Canada will present to the world his version of the Fled Kite. Originally developed by Michael Andersen and Brooks Leffler, Wilson scaled up his design to more easily handle the 32.5 inch spars that he uses. The original intent of this kite was for Kite Aerial Photography (KAP) as it provides a nice, stable, platform for taking photos. Brooks Leffler sells the Fled and further describes the kite on his website:
"The Fled is a cross between the light-wind Flare and the traditional Sled. It's a stable, strong, light-wind kite that flies at a line angle of 65 - 70 degrees, just about perfect for KAP or line laundry. Despite its size, the Fled develops impressive lift; it will easily lift a camera rig of one pound in 6-8 mph wind, making it ideal for our BEAK series or an R/C or AuRiCo-controlled rig with a light point-&-shoot camera. The Fled is very forgiving. It will fly with or without the included drogue tail, and with or without bowing the spreader spar, but is more stable for KAP with both."
The three-week class will begin January 30, 2009. The class is free but you must be a forum member and registered by January 28. Check the forum for more information.
UPCOMING PROJECT:
2007 Kitebuilder of the Year, Jimbo, will present an 8-sided version of 12 sided Crown Kite. The modified design is based on 30 spars and has an outside diameter of about 74 inches. If you want to build this kite, continue to check the website as information becomes available. We expect this project to run sometime this Spring and there will be a limit of 100 participants. Click HERE for more information.
PACK OF BULLDOGS
Whew! Have you been following Whatakite’s online project? He’s been cutting the skins for high-wind, hard-pulling Bulldog Parafoils for fifty forum members. We expected the sign ups for this project to extend through January ’09, but all fifty kits were purchased in about two weeks! This has been an extremely popular project. As of today there have been almost 16,000 views. Click HERE to add to the count. I hope all the builders can some day attend a festival and get all the dogs up in a pack. It will be a great spectacle in the sky, a real dogfight! Bulldogs make wonderful lifters for line laundry and I am sure the builders will be making all kinds of dog art. And if they are not building, Dave & Suzie Gomberg will gladly provide pre-built accessories (your welcome David J ).
WINTER DREAM SALE
Ahhh... The pink sands of the Caribbean; it's what cold winter dreams are made of. Add a kite, and it would be perfect! Now until supplies last: .
65 oz Caribbean Ripstop - $3.00/ yard
.75 oz Caribbean Ripstop - $4.00/ yard
.75 oz Pink Ripstop- $4.00/ yard
50, 150, & 200 pound, 3,000 feet Pink Line - $15.00
View all of our current special here:http://www.kitebuilder.com/catalog/specials.php
KITEBUILDER GEAR:
Have you seen our new kitebuilder merchandise? Cool hats, shirts, and stickers. Warm sweatshirts, hoodies, and jackets. Check out this short video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibiAqxLEtfw
If you act quick you can get 10% off and FREE shipping! Use code EMAILOFFER4U.
This Offer Ends Monday, Jan 19, 2008 at Midnight!
Get your gear HERE
UPCOMING EVENTS:
If you would like to discover additional kite festivals and building retreats, be sure to check our website link below. Forum members post events all over the world. http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=21
FACEBOOK
Are you a member of facebook? There is a growing community of kiters. One of the greatest benefits to working at Kite Studio and kitebuilder.com, is that I consider most all my customers as friends. I don’t think there are many professions where the same can be said. Anyway, I am on facebook… just look for my name: “Steve Ferrel”. Join the crowd!
Speaking of faces, pop your head out the window. How’s the temperature in your neck of the woods? Today in eastern PA the high is 16 F. I’ve been reading that many of you are experiencing averages that are much lower - PERFECT kitebuilding weather. Take advantage of some of these sales, rev up your sewing machine, and get your kite bag ready for spring!
That’s all I have for now, initially I thought this was going to be a brief newsletter, sorry to keep you so long… but hey, it’s a winter afternoon, what else are you going to do? Now go build a kite!
Keep in touch….
--Steve
email: steve@kitebuilder.com
phone: 610-395-3560
web: www.kitebuilder.com
----To subscribe(or unsubscribe) to the Kite Studio mailing list, visit this page: http://two.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/kitebuilder----
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 09, 2009
Monday, September 22, 2008
Kitefliers to hold convention
Kitefliers to hold convention - Evening Sun
I'm on my way - arriving Spet 22. Looking forward to a great week.
I'm on my way - arriving Spet 22. Looking forward to a great week.
Friday, June 27, 2008
2008 kites built
...Spectators probably were startled to learn that all the kites were made by one person. Zhang Tengyun worked for two years to prepare for the show. He made 2008 kites, in honour of the Olympic year. Full Story >>>
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Kitebuilder News ~ June 2008
Hello kitebuilders, I’m going to keep this short. It’s a crazy time of year – the yards of ripstop and tubes of graphite have been flying out the door… no strings attached! Not much time is left at the end of the day for writing.
HEADS UP:
Or should I say Heads Down? Take a look at all the soon to end offers on the kitebuilders’ auction block. Todd Little, AKA Region Two Director, posted several items as a special auction to benefit the AKA 2008 Gettysburg, PA convention. Proceeds from this auction will go toward the Early bird Reception on opening night of the 2008 convention. Deltas, Boxes, Figures, Stunters, and Tails… great items for a great cause. Check ‘em out, bid 'em up...not much time remains.
http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/auction_sitemap.php
AKA CONVENTION
Speaking of the upcoming convention, tonight I conclude the writing of the Kitemakers' Competition article and schedule for the convention program. I can hardly believe I am working on something that will take place in September. I’m not very good at planning ahead – usually working at least a week behind. Anyway, the convention runs Sept 22-27, 2008 and I’ll be organizing the Comprehensive Kitemakers Competition again this year. This will be my 15th convention and I always look forward to next one... never disappointed. I encourage you to consider attending - you WILL have a good time. Find more information on the AKA website here:
http://www.aka.kite.org/con2008info.shtml
GRAPHITE PRODUCTION
I realize many of you have been experiencing delays in receiving certain sizes of graphite (and fiberglass) tube (and rod). We are working with our vendor to get the quantities to you as soon as possible. There are demands on the manufacturer in MANY directions and they are trying to get back to normal inventory levels. They’ve asked me to extend apologies for all delays. If one size has been holding up your kite project, give me a call or email and I’ll try to suggest an alternative. I want to see your kites in the air as much as you do!
CHOCOLATE SALE
Are you a chocolate lover? If so, you'll love the current promotion. Chocolate colored flying line. 3000 feet of 200 pound line for fifteen bucks… where can you find a better deal than that? Other weights and lengths are also available. Check ‘em out here: http://www.kitebuilder.com/catalog/specials.php
UPCOMING EVENTS:
If you would like to discover additional kite festivals and building retreats, be sure to check our website link below. Forum members are posting events all over the world.
http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/index.php?c=9
So that’s about all for now - I told you it was going to be short. Go back outside and enjoy your Summer!
--Steve Ferrel
email: steve@kitebuilder.com
phone: 610-395-3560
----
To subscribe(or unsubscribe) to the Kitebuilder.com mailing list, visit this page:
http://two.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/kitebuilder
----
HEADS UP:
Or should I say Heads Down? Take a look at all the soon to end offers on the kitebuilders’ auction block. Todd Little, AKA Region Two Director, posted several items as a special auction to benefit the AKA 2008 Gettysburg, PA convention. Proceeds from this auction will go toward the Early bird Reception on opening night of the 2008 convention. Deltas, Boxes, Figures, Stunters, and Tails… great items for a great cause. Check ‘em out, bid 'em up...not much time remains.
http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/auction_sitemap.php
AKA CONVENTION
Speaking of the upcoming convention, tonight I conclude the writing of the Kitemakers' Competition article and schedule for the convention program. I can hardly believe I am working on something that will take place in September. I’m not very good at planning ahead – usually working at least a week behind. Anyway, the convention runs Sept 22-27, 2008 and I’ll be organizing the Comprehensive Kitemakers Competition again this year. This will be my 15th convention and I always look forward to next one... never disappointed. I encourage you to consider attending - you WILL have a good time. Find more information on the AKA website here:
http://www.aka.kite.org/con2008info.shtml
GRAPHITE PRODUCTION
I realize many of you have been experiencing delays in receiving certain sizes of graphite (and fiberglass) tube (and rod). We are working with our vendor to get the quantities to you as soon as possible. There are demands on the manufacturer in MANY directions and they are trying to get back to normal inventory levels. They’ve asked me to extend apologies for all delays. If one size has been holding up your kite project, give me a call or email and I’ll try to suggest an alternative. I want to see your kites in the air as much as you do!
CHOCOLATE SALE
Are you a chocolate lover? If so, you'll love the current promotion. Chocolate colored flying line. 3000 feet of 200 pound line for fifteen bucks… where can you find a better deal than that? Other weights and lengths are also available. Check ‘em out here: http://www.kitebuilder.com/catalog/specials.php
UPCOMING EVENTS:
If you would like to discover additional kite festivals and building retreats, be sure to check our website link below. Forum members are posting events all over the world.
http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/index.php?c=9
So that’s about all for now - I told you it was going to be short. Go back outside and enjoy your Summer!
--Steve Ferrel
email: steve@kitebuilder.com
phone: 610-395-3560
----
To subscribe(or unsubscribe) to the Kitebuilder.com mailing list, visit this page:
http://two.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/kitebuilder
----
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Go fly a kite with homemade design...
Before you start, know the basics...
Go fly a kite with homemade design TheNewsTribune.com Tacoma, WA
Go fly a kite with homemade design TheNewsTribune.com Tacoma, WA
Yinchuan Kite Festival
Yinchuan attracts crowds of kite enthusiasts
CCTV International
Hundreds of kites of all different shapes and sizes swarm the sky above Yinchuan. Here, in the capital of Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, kite enthusiasts from far and wide gather for the 2008 Yinchuan International Kite Invitational.
CCTV International
Hundreds of kites of all different shapes and sizes swarm the sky above Yinchuan. Here, in the capital of Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, kite enthusiasts from far and wide gather for the 2008 Yinchuan International Kite Invitational.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Kitebuilder News
KITEBUILDER NEWS
I know super Sunday, super Tuesday and super Saturday is on everyone’s mind these days, but I’m asking all kitebuilders to escape politics for a few moments and browse the super kites that have been nominated for kitebuilder.com’s forum Kite of the Year. You can find them here: http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6127
KiteBuilder of the Year is also up for grabs and eight members have been nominated. Check them out here: http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6146
If you are a forum member, I ask you to take two additional steps to vote which kite should be named Kite of the Year and which builder should be crowed Kitebuilder of the year. All votes must be received by February 18, 2007. I’ll admit they are difficult decisions, however important. If you would like to review past winners, check the “honor rolls” in this thread: http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=11
If you are not a member of the forum, consider joining. Membership is free and will give you access and search rights to all discussions. Registration is easy and fast: http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/profile.php?mode=register
WHO DO YOU LOVE?
Valentines Day sales are now in effect through February 29 (or until supplies last). Save up to 60% on select items:
I know super Sunday, super Tuesday and super Saturday is on everyone’s mind these days, but I’m asking all kitebuilders to escape politics for a few moments and browse the super kites that have been nominated for kitebuilder.com’s forum Kite of the Year. You can find them here: http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6127
KiteBuilder of the Year is also up for grabs and eight members have been nominated. Check them out here: http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6146
If you are a forum member, I ask you to take two additional steps to vote which kite should be named Kite of the Year and which builder should be crowed Kitebuilder of the year. All votes must be received by February 18, 2007. I’ll admit they are difficult decisions, however important. If you would like to review past winners, check the “honor rolls” in this thread: http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=11
If you are not a member of the forum, consider joining. Membership is free and will give you access and search rights to all discussions. Registration is easy and fast: http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/profile.php?mode=register
WHO DO YOU LOVE?
Valentines Day sales are now in effect through February 29 (or until supplies last). Save up to 60% on select items:
- Red, White, Pink, and Raspberry ripstop in .50, .65, .75, and 1.5 ounce styles as low as $2.00/yard.
- Red & White 200 Denier banner cloth - 20% off!
- Pink flying and bridling line in 50#, 150# and 200# x 3,000 feet lengths, $15.00 each.
- View all sale items here: http://www.kitebuilder.com/kitestudio.html
KITEBUILDER GEAR:
New shirts, hats, stickers, and buttons available through our partner website, zazzle.com. These make perfect gifts for your favorite kitebuilder. This month, get 5% off two or more shirts… and they don’t have to be identical! Buy two or more sheets of postage and get $2 off each sheet. View our collection here:http://www.zazzle.com/kitestudio*
WIKI REMINDER
Just a reminder, Kitebuilder.com hosts a fully searchable, interactive "encyclopedia" created by, and existing for, the kitebuilder.com community. We archive kite plans and reference information with links all over the web. The cool think about the wiki is YOU can contribute. If you know something about what is written and want to add your two cents (or more), just hit the edit button. The only requirement is you must be logged into the forum while making your edits. Don’t worry about screwing things up, everything is automatically backed up and easily retrieved. Find more information here:http://www.kitebuilder.com/wiki/pmwiki.php
AUCTION REMINDER:
Another reminder about the kitebuilder auctions. Over the holidays, hundreds of dollars and many items were exchanged between kiters. I looked this morning and saw two beautifully tie dyed pieces of fabric listed with an expiration date in seven days. Take a look… if you are planning a new project, this cloth might be just what you need. I have plans to list a few items in the coming week as well.
http://www.kitebuilder.com/kitestudio.html
SMITHSONIAN KITE FESTIVAL
I will be kicking off the 2008 kite flying season by attending the Smithsonian Kite Festival March 29 in Washington DC. When we get good weather, this is my favorite festival of the year. If you plan on attending, be sure to look for me… I’ll be one of the judges. Find more information here: http://kitefestival.org/
UPCOMING EVENTS:
If you would like to discover additional kite festivals and building retreats, be sure to check our website link below. Forum members post events all over the world.
http://www.kitebuilder.com/forums/index.php?c=9
That’s about all for now… have a super February. Spring will be here soon.
Go build a kite!
--Steve
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