How to Make Paper Instruments
Though paper instruments may bring to mind images of small children playing in make-believe rock bands, older teens and adults can enjoy paper instruments, as well. This may only include helping your children and students create their instruments, or it may involve making slightly more complicated projects for personal use. These instruments may also be helpful as stage props. No matter what your reasons, making paper instruments takes little time, requires only household items and can be a very entertaining way to spend an afternoon.
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Things You'll Need
- Cardboard wrapping paper tube
- Toothpicks
- Newsprint
- White glue
- Bowl
- Paint
- Plastic wrap
- Dry rice
- 2 paper plates
- Stapler
- Ribbons
- Awl
- Bottle caps
- Twine
Instructions
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Rain Sticks
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1
Use a wrapping paper cardboard tube for the foundation of your rain stick. Push several toothpicks about halfway through the tube at random intervals, so that some of each toothpick is inside the tube. Secure each toothpick with white glue and snip off the excess toothpick on the outside of the tube. This gives the rice something to tap against later.
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2
Mix three parts warm water with one part white glue in a bowl. Tear 1-inch strips of newsprint and dip them into the water-and-glue mixture. Spread these strips all over the cardboard tube, including over one end.
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3
Pour about 1 cup of dry rice into the tube. Use more moistened paper strips to cover the other end. Allow the paper strips to dry, and then paint your new rain stick.
Paper Tambourines
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4
Cut the center out of two paper plates so you only have the curved edges left. Layer one edge piece inside the other and glue them together. This gives your tambourine more stability.
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5
Use an awl to make holes in the center of several bottle caps. Snip several 4-inch pieces and slip two or three bottle caps onto each piece. Use your awl to make holes in your glued plate edges. Tie the strung bottle caps to the holes.
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6
Paint and decorate your tambourine. Staple ribbons to the edges and paint colorful swirls or geometric patterns on the glued plates. Hold and shake to keep the beat.
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References
- Photo Credit Petits tambourins chinois image by Bruno Bernier from Fotolia.com
