This is the old article I wrote for Kitelife.com. I notice that some of it is missing and a lot of it is out of date. I'll see what I can do about finding the missing parts and possibly updating the out dated parts.

Overview

    Okay, here's the deal.  This is sort of a follow up to Richard Gareau's page with a twist.  My expertise lies totally with sportkites, so we are going to build a sportkite.  After we are done, someone else will author this page and we can build something else.  I'm sure that Graeme Poole will help us all build a dragonfly kite, and I'm thinking that other kite makers will share their experiences in making the kites they specialize in.  Who knows, maybe we can coax Ron Gibian into teaching us to build one of his masterpieces.
    This is meant to be an interactive page.  I will tell you everything I know about the Pizazz (that's the kite I market) and I hope that all of you will feel free to share your experiences.  To that end I have set up an email account, builders@pizazzkites.com and hope that we can communicate two way.  All of the email I receive at that address will be posted on a forum open for discussion unless the sender wishes otherwise.
    Here's what you get:  All the measurements for the Pizazz, all the sewing techniques I use, all my little tricks, and for a small fee I'll ship you the precut sail pieces so you can sew along!  (see below)
       We are going to start right at the beginning and work through the final product.  The pages will be set up as an interactive book so everyone can just click on parts that are of the most interest.  I expect to update the builders@pizazzkites.com daily and hope we can generate some worthwhile discussion of kite making there.
    The Pizazz is the property of Pizazz Kiteworks (that's me) so you don't have to worry about anyone whining.  I do ask you though, please, make yourself a Pizazz or two but don't sell them, that's my job!

    Here's how to get started.

        Option 1.  If you want to build this kite entirely from scratch, email me pizazz@pizazzkites.com and ask for paper templates.  I will send you full scale drawings of the sail pieces.  This costs you $2 plus $3 shipping in the U.S.

        Option 2.  If you would like me to supply you with precut sail pieces email me and ask for a precut sail.  The precut sail includes all the parts necessary to complete the sail and bridle.  You will have your choice of sail materials and colors.  The precut sail is available in 3/4 ounce porcher nylon for $20.33, toray polyester for $21.80, and polycarbonite icarex for $25.43.  Please add $3 for shipping in the U.S.

        Option 3.  If you would like me to supply you with  precut frame pieces email me and ask for a frame kit.  The frame kit includes all of the parts necessary to frame the kite and are precut to size.  You will have your choice of framing material.  The frame kit is available with GForce UL or Skyshark 3PT for $60.27, AVIA Super Skinny (SUL) for $66.04, Skyshark Response Zero Gold for $86.16, AVIA pultrude 2200 for $22.04, AVIA 2300 for $25, or AVIA 2400 for $25.96.  If you would like just the hardware kit and use your own spars it will be $6.16.  The standoffs are included in the hardware kit.  Please add $3 for shipping in the U.S.

        Only include $3 for shipping once.  All parts will be sent Priority US mail.  The template and sail pieces will be rolled, not folded.

        These prices are eligible for AKA member discount.
 
 

Thanks,
Dick Barnes