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Making a Parachute

Building the Parachute

First problem was to decide what material to use; it had to be something thin. After attempts with handkerchief paper, plastic bags and even a window curtain I saw something in my wife’s kitchen (picture 1).
I’m not sure what its ‘official’ name is, but it’s something like kitchen foil. It's thin but not too flexible.

Planning how to add the parachute lines was done by using a technical drawing of the lines and transferring it to a long strip of paper (pictures 2 and 3.)

Shaping the thin material was problem no. 2. I used my son’s balloon and fixed it on some round box. Then I cover it with the kitchen foil. Wrap the line strip (picture 3) around the balloon and secure the foil with a rubber band (picture 4.) The upper half on the balloon will be the parachute canvas.

Painting

Now the funny part starts. White glue has to be spread all over the upper canvas part, but very thinly. The first layer of white glue was mixed with water but just a little. Add some paint to the white glue mix (picture 5.) This will make sure any glossy white from the glue won’t show through anywhere.
The first layer is very thin (picture 6.) The second layer was pure white glue and paint (picture 7.)

Strings

Then strings have to be attached over the canvas. The strings are plain thread for sewing which was run through candle wax to keep thin wisps of thread from separating. Use the guide strip attached earlier to help positioning the strings. Wrap the string from one site over the top to the other side.

Once again white glue was brushed on, but only over the strings on canvas (picture 8.) After that, let it dry and than paint.

Positioning

Some thin wire is inserted under canvas to help shape the final positioning. This helps to make it look like it's inflated with wind. I guess that’s all folks. Hope you like it and even use this technique for your future projects.