How to Make a Rolling Paper Plane
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
A rolling paper plane is not really a plane, and it doesn't really roll. It's simply a propeller made out of cigarette rolling paper that spins on the end of one's finger. It is very easy to make and hopefully as easy to explain. All you need is one regular size rolling paper; large is too flimsy, but it will work at a pinch.
Construction
Hold the paper, glue side up, or you can just place the paper on a flat surface.
Fold each of the four edges in about 1/8 of an inch (3mm). A little more is sometimes good, but not quite the width of the glue-strip.
Carefully, so as not to tear, unfold each edge and flatten the corners out again. Each corner should now look like a tiny square.
Put a little crease across the diagonal of each one so that the paper is 'pointed' on each corner. Pinching the corners works best for this.
Now, fold the sides upwards so they're about 45° from the plane of the paper - it should look like a tiny tray. Flatten the corners a bit so they aren't pinched together too tightly.
Now (hopefully) you are ready to fly.
Flying
Hold the 'plane' between thumb and forefinger with tip of forefinger in the centre of the back side (concave side toward thumb). You should be making an OK sign.
Bring outstretched arm back as far as you can, it should be nearly horizontal. Remember, the paper will be a propeller, your finger will be the plane.
Now swing your arm forward at a medium speed, taking your thumb away right after the motion starts. You may have to spin your whole body around to keep it going.
Once you're able to get the thing spinning, you'll be able to move your hand in a somewhat vertical circle in front of you, the 'plane' will stay on your fingertip as long as you keep it pointing and moving forward. Advanced flyers will find that a figure 8 is most fun.
Happy Flying!