Plastic Bag Parachute

This low cost, easy craft comes from "The Kids Can Press Jumbo Book of Easy Crafts" by Judy Ann Sadler.

You will need:
A larger than standard plastic shopping bag
scissors
measuring tape or ruler
yarn
hole punch
old fashion clothespin and pipe cleaner or small plastic figure

A standard grocery bag is barely large enough. You want to cut a square at least 14 inches. We used a larger bag and cut a 18.5" square. A larger parachute holds more air and will give you more hang time.

Hole punch each corner leaving enough room so the corner doesn't tear easily.

Measure 4 strands of lightweight yarn at 24" each. Tie around hole in each corner.

Hold the four yarn ends together and fasten in an overhand knot.

To make our clothespin parachutist we used paint and marker to decorate. The most functional piece of his outfit is his top/arms. We wrapped one pipe cleaner around securing each arm with a loop of the pipe cleaner. We secured the looped portion with hot glue. We also fashioned a red cape from cellophane with small holes for his arms.

His pipe cleaner arms enable him to hold onto the strings.

We also cut a small piece of yarn and secured the strings behind his head, tying all four strings together with the small strand. (This step is not pictured.)

To prepare your parachutist for his first ride, hold your figurine and loosely wrap him and the cord and plastic shoot in an accordion fold. Toss the folded parachute as high as you can into the air and watch it float safely to the ground.

What an adventure!