Craft: Homemade Musical Instruments

Two things I love are music and crafts. So when you get to combine them to make homemade musical instruments then I am over the moon! I am a spontaneous crafter, so I like to find things from around the house and repurpose them, and make something from them – turning them into a craft activity.

Here are three simple to make musical instruments. They are more for use with imagination rather than being any sort of instrument you can play along with in a band. But I think you get the purpose behind this. It’s all about fun, making something together, and using our imaginations.

All these instruments were made with things I had at home. You will probably have them too. Of, if not, a dollar store is always a great place to stock up on craft items, especially stickers.

PAN FLUTE

You will need:

• Large drinking straws (bubble tea ones are best)
• Tape
• Scissors

What to do:

1. Cut a length of tape (at least twice as long as the width of the straws put together)
2. Lay 9-10 straws over the tape with the top of the straws as even as possible
3. Wrap the tape around the straws to secure them together
4. Cut the straws with staggering lengths – at a diagonal is the easiest
5. Blow across the top of your flute and have a lot of fun!

If you have access to bamboo this is super fun to make using lengths of bamboo and string. You might need to drill through the bamboo to make sure it’s hollow.

HAND DRUM

You will need:

• Coffee can or large canister (protein powder, laundry pods, etc.) 
• Parchment paper or freezer paper
• Rubber band
• Packing Tape (optional)
• String
• Scissors
• Stickers and markers to decorate
• Unsharpened pencils as drumsticks

What to do:

1. Clean out the canister
2. Cut out a circle of parchment or freezer paper at least 3 inches larger than the opening
3. Place over the top of the canister and secure with a rubber band. Pull so that the paper is taught. Tie string around tightly. 

Or

Tape strips of packing tape over the top of the canister in several layers, making sure there are no gaps

4. Decorate with stickers and markers (depending on the outside of the canister you might like to cover it with paper first)
5. Use 2 unsharpened pencils as drumsticks, or simply use your hands

WATER BOTTLE SHAKER

You will need:

• Empty water bottle
• Tape
• Dried beans or rice
• Stickers to decorate

What to do:

1. Make sure the water bottle is dry inside
2. Place a handful or two of dried beans or rice inside the bottle
3. Secure the cap tightly and seal with tape
4. Decorate the outside of the bottle 
5. Shake away!!

I hope that these are some things you might be able to make together and then have a fabulous family band time! I would love to see some pictures of your homemade musical instruments if you make some.

For other craft ideas, check out these vlog/blog posts I have made:
French Knitting
Heart Shaped Dream Catcher
Cardboard Houses