DIY Instruments

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been a frequent flyer on Pinterest during quarantine. I’m always looking for crafts to do with supplies I have around the house, so in this blog I’ll be sharing some of my favorite DIY instruments that I’ve made so far! These instruments are made with supplies I had, but if you don’t have these products, I highly recommend checking out Dollar Tree (with a mask!) for inexpensive supplies. Caution: please practice proper safety precautions and do these crafts with the supervision of an adult as some of these projects require sharp objects and small materials.  

Here is a video that demonstrates the sound of each instruments!  

Paper Roll Shakers 

Materials Needed: paper towel roll/toilet paper roll, popcorn kernels/rice, hot glue, optional decorative items (makers, colored pencils, pens, etc.) 

Time: 15 minutes 

These shakers are a great alternative to egg shakers and fit perfectly in your hand!  

1. Cut your paper roll to size. I chose a smaller size, but if can be any length that you would like.  

2. Decorate the roll in any way you’d like. I used colored pens. Just make sure your rolls are dried before moving on to the next step.  

3. Make sure your hot glue gun is warm. Begin by folding one end and hot glue to secure it closed. For added protection, you could also use super glue or duct tape.  

4. After one end is secured, fill the roll with your popcorn kernels (or rice). You can fill it up as much as you want, though I recommend filling it up less than halfway full.  

5. Lastly, you will fold the other end in the opposite direction and secure it close.  

I used this pin for reference– https://www.pinterest.com/pin/166985098672068130/ 

Homemade Castanets 

Materials Needed: cardboard, circular objects (small candle lid, coins, bottle caps, etc.), glue, decorating materials 

Time: 10 minutes 

These homemade castanets are a fun way to work on your fine motor skills and dexterity.  

1. Cut your piece of cardboard to size—size depends on the circular objects you plan to use. I used a piece of cardboard from a granola bar box and it’s easy to fold and move. I also used candle lids for the center.  

2. Once you have your cardboard cut, feel free to customize to your liking, 

3. After the marker/pen dry, fold your cardboard in have and glue your circular object to the ends of the cardboard.  

4. Finally, let all the materials completely dry and then you’re ready to rock ‘n roll! 

I used this pin for reference– https://www.pinterest.com/pin/141863456989861738/ 

Coin Tambourine 

Materials Needed: paper plates, coins, staples/glue, decorating materials 

Time: 10 minutes 

This has been my favorite project and I love the way it turned out. Enjoy! 

1. First, decorate your paper plates using whatever materials you would like. Make sure the plates are completely dry before moving on.  

2. Next, put your coins on the bottom plate. I put about 15 coins in and the sound is great! 

3. After that, put your top plate on the secure the edges. I used a stapler, but you can use duct tape or hot glue. Just make sure it is secure all around, so you don’t lose the change while playing.  

While I made this craft up, here is something similar to what I created– https://www.pinterest.com/pin/84372193002946156/ 

Now what? Be creative with ways to use these instruments! Something fun could be a sound story, which encourages associating the name of the instrument to the sound it makes. Here’s one I came up with—feel free to use and share! 

Going on a Walk 

I hope you enjoyed these DIY crafts that you and your family can create! The overall theme is to just be creative. Use your imagination with materials and get crafty. My instruments may not look the “nicest,” but they are functional and can be used to make music—which is the most important part! If you make any of these, leave a comment and share with others. Come back next month for another blog post!