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How to Make a Music Box with a Moving Ballerina

For years, little girls have grown up with musical boxes that have a dancing doll inside. They often watch with fascination as the tiny figure pirouettes when the box is opened. Originally made from cardboard, these boxes can be made in wood or ceramic and decorated using paints or fabric. They also make gifts that are easy to personalize.

Things You'll Need

Box with hinged lid and thick walls
Small doll
Mechanical or electronic music-playing device
Electric drill
Decorating supplies
Glue gun
Sandpaper (optional)
Wood sealer (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Sand a wooden box with sandpaper and apply a coat of wood sealer. Allow the sealer to dry completely.
- 2
  Mark a point on the outside of the box to drill a hole where the musical mechanism will be inserted. Mark a similar point inside the box where the turntable will be fixed. Drill these holes and glue the musical mechanism inside the box.
- 3
  Attach the figurine to the turntable using a glue gun. Check the manufacturer's suggestions for drying time because you might have to hold the two items together for a few minutes. Wind the turntable onto the key extender. Wind the key extender onto the key shaft.
- 4
  Conceal the mechanism with fabric or colored plastic, making sure that it is free from obstruction. Use clear plastic if you want the mechanism to be seen. Center the key around the hole on the outside of the box and center the turntable around the hole inside the box.

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