Simon Crafts

Simon spends his time as a master sheep herder. He's been banned from using glue since the kindergarten tragedy of '71 so he uses a proprietary technique of using acacia gum and spit as adhesive in his kites....or....Simon was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. He has a BS Degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Missouri – Rolla. He has lived and worked in Southern California, North Texas, Iowa, and now resides near Findlay, OH where he is a key member of the Engineering Department for a limestone aggregates producer.

Simon has been flying kites as long as he can remember, spending many, many hours flying kites with the other kids in the neighborhood as a child. As an adult, he discovered “modern” sewn kites while on a beach in San Diego and bought a few to play with his (then) young sons. He was re-bitten and has been flying again ever since.

Simon began making kites in 2008. He basically learned everything he knows by reading and communicating on-line, particularly through the forum on Kitebuilder.com, and through the practice of making kites, Simon concentrates his efforts on his own designs and shapes – almost always starting with a “blank” plan and writing one rather than following one. His forte is with cellular kites, enjoying the much greater possibilities that 3 dimensions allow.

Simon attended his first AKA Convention in 2011 (Wildwood, NJ) where he participated in his first kite making competition as a Novice, having never been around a competition previously. He left with an un-precedented 8 first place trophies, including the Member’s Choice award and the Grand National Championship for his cellular kite “Extensivity” – which also won the trophies for highest scores in Visual Appeal, Structural Design, and Craftsmanship.