parachutes!?!

Wow, this project must be a tough one. Sorry though. I have no idea as to how to make a parachute. But maybe you can try using tracing paper.

I'm going to take a wild stab at this .... not that I've ever tried it.

If you made the chute out of tissue paper soaked in white glue and water, and then laid it on a balloon about the size of the chute you want to make. Wait for it to dry and then pop the balloon. This might work .... I've used the tissue and white glue / water technique to make tarps before.

Maybe a cheap way to try.

Try a light cloth but use hobby starch (sorry can't remember a name brand but it is used to stiffen doilies and can be found in most craft stores). The stuff works awesome and dries pretty quick. I would try using rayon for the cloth, that way you can get the parachute look. Hope this idea works for you!

also remember that the shute is going to have areas of tension caused by the strings attached to the jumper..... if you make a mold out of modeling clay you can then use the toilet paper/glue technique and get as many shutes as you want

I agree with Robert using tissue paper and white glue and water. I have used this technique for making sails and flags so it should work for a parachute. But remember that you don't want it to thick. What I would try is to lay one layer of tissue paper on the ballon and then lay place some thin string for the shroud lines. Place second layer on top and possibly a third then let dry, remember to make your shroud lines long enough. This may take a little practice the tissue will be fragile but should work

Thanks for the great ideas. I'll have to try them. I hope that it works. If you get anymore please let me know. Thanks a million.