How to Make Strange Musical Instruments

Create fun and strange instruments

• 1

  Lay one dinner-sized paper plate on the table. Lay 30 or more pieces of dry beans or uncooked macaroni on the plate. Layer another plate on top of the first, and staple the edges of the two plates together. Children can paint or color the outside of the plates. Shake the plates to create fun musical sounds.

• 2

  Take one jingle bell, and string the colorful ribbon through the metal loop at the top. Tie the ribbon into a secure knot. String another jingle bell, placed about an inch from the first, and tie another knot to secure the second bell. Repeat until all six bells are tied onto the ribbon. Tie the ends together to create a jingle bell bracelet.

• 3

  Coat a wooden skewer with a thick coat of tacky craft glue or hot glue - leave 5 inches without glue at one end. Quickly thread 10 to 12 barrel beads on top of the glue and hold in place as the glue dries. Repeat with the other skewer. Lay the beaded skewers on wax paper to dry for at least 10 hours. Rub the sticks together or beat them against one another to create strange and musical sounds.

• 4

  Cover an empty coffee can or oatmeal tub with colorful construction paper. Attach coordinating colors cut into stars or other shapes with hot glue. Have children bang on the top of the can or tub for simple drum sounds.

• 5

  Decorate the sides of an empty paper towel tube. Cover one end of the tube with wax paper, and secure it with a rubber band. Poke holes in the sides of the paper towel tube, and blow and hum into the end opposite the wax paper to create strange and interesting sounds.