How to Make a Trumpet

Making musical instruments for children out of everyday household items is a cost-effective way of keeping up with children's whims and keeping them entertained on a rainy day. Along with the usual bean tin drums and coffee can maracas, soda bottle trumpets are a helpful addition to any child's kitchen concert. Look below for tips on how to make a child's trumpet out of a 2-liter soda bottle.

Things You'll Need

• 2 liter soda bottle
• Detergent
• Hose pipe or craft tubing
• Knife
• Scissors
• Tape
• Paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Remove the label and cap of the bottle, wash it out with kitchen detergent and let dry.

2. Clean a piece of old hosepipe and let dry. Plastic tubing, available at craft and DIY stores, can substitute for the hosepipe.

3. Cut off the end of the soda bottle using scissors. Cut about 3 inches from the base of the bottle using a sharp knife.

4. Insert hosepipe into the bottle cap end of pop bottle and tape together using a strong adhesive tape like duct tape. Make sure the connection is secure.

5. Make the trumpet to size by cutting the hosepipe to a length that is easy for the child to hold. About 20 to 30 inches is best. Be sure to lay the pipe on a safe flat cutting surface and use a very sharp knife.

6. Use a paintbrush and poster paint to decorate the outside of the pop bottle. Music notes are easy, creative and educational. Let dry.

7. Blow as hard as possible into the tube to produce sound. This may take a little practice.

Tips & Warnings

• A plastic funnel can substitute for the bottle, but the bottle is much more cost effective.

• Use care when cutting plastic with knifes and scissors.