How to Make a Dr. Seuss-a-Phone

If your child ever wanted a wocket in her pocket or a barb-a-loot for a pet, she may love a Dr. Seuss-a-phone. This is the wacky musical instrument inspired by the Dr. Seuss books. This phone works and makes a fun toy for the children.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 trumpet mouthpiece
• 10 feet of 1/2-inch copper tubing
• 1 galvanized metal funnel with a goose neck tube attached

1. Find mouthpieces at music stores, garage sales, thrift stores or online. The Kelly company makes colorful mouthpieces to use for your Dr. Seuss-a-phone. Slide the trumpet mouthpiece into the end of the copper tubing.
2. Place the galvanized funnel on the other end of the copper tubing. Shape the tube on the funnel so the funnel points up. You can buy galvanized metal funnels at hardware or home improvement stores. Other funnels work, but they don't produce the same quality of sound.
3. Shape the tubing into big loops or shape it whichever way you want. Try not to kink the tubing. Fill the tube with damp sand to bend the tubing without creating kinks. Shorten the tubing to create a higher-pitched sound. Longer tubes create a deeper sound.
4. Play the Dr. Seuss-a-phone. Blow into the mouthpiece while making a buzzing sound. Alter your tone and play with your voice to create a silly sound.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute the mouthpiece with a plastic or rubber cover. The resulting sound is not the same as if you use a trumpet mouthpiece.