How to Make a Tambourine for Children

Tambourines can be decorated with any designs and materials you want.

Making your own tambourine is a fun and easy craft activity. Tambourines are a simple percussion instrument that traditionally have small metal disks attached to the sides which make noise when they are shaken. The tambourine you will learn to create in this article has beans inside which will produce a sound when moved. To play a tambourine of any kind, simply shake it back and forth, or hit it against your hand or thigh.

Things You'll Need

• 2 Styrofoam or paper plates, or aluminum pie plates
• Large dried beans (any kind)
• Stapler
• Markers

Instructions

1. Place one plate face up on the table.

2. Fill the plate with a small handful of dried beans.

3. Turn the other plate upside down, and put it on top of the plate with the beans.

4. Staple the edges together. Be careful not to leave any large gaps where the beans can fall through.

5. Decorate the tambourine using markers, crayons or paint. You could also add stickers, feathers or decorations.

Tips & Warnings

• To create a more authentic tambourine sound, punch holes in the side of your tambourine, and string jingle bells through with ribbon or string.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish