How to Make a Tambourine

Prepare the gourd. If your gourd is freshly cured from the garden or produce counter, you will need to get it ready for use. Begin by boiling the gourd in water for 20 minutes. This will harden the shell and make the drilling and sanding much easier. Allow the gourd to dry for up to 24 hours. Use the sandpaper to smooth out the rough exterior. Cover each inch of the gourd at least once.

Turn the gourd on its side. Drill two small holes, one above the other, on the widest end of the gourd. The holes should be 2-3 inches from the next set, all the way around the gourd. Position the holes in sets around the gourd, as the metal jingles or zils are positioned around a tambourine.

Tie a knot in one end of the leather cord. Thread the unknotted end into one hole of a two-hole set and out of the other hole in the set. Pull until the knot covers the holes completely. Thread three bells onto the cord, pushing them as far down the cord as they will go. Tie a knot the secure the bells in place. Cut the cord 1/2 inch from that knot. Shove the cord end into the second hole. Use the hot glue to create a cover for the hole and and anchor for the cord.

Repeat step three around the gourd until you have each two-hole set occupied by cord and bells. Decorate the tambourine using anything that you'd like. Use your creativity to make the instrument your own. Keep in mind, when adding the sequins and beads, that you will have to hold the handle and pat on the sides. Allow it to dry before playing.

Play your tambourine by holding the handle and patting the side under or over the bells. The rhythmic sound is easy to make, and there isn't a wrong way to make it. Develop your own sound and your own song by beating the tambourine in your own way.