How to Craft a Mandolin

A plain shoe box can be turned into a mandolin craft.

A mandolin is a musical instrument similar to a guitar, except the mandolin has no handle and lies flat on a lap or table. You can make a toy mandolin using a shoe box and some rubber bands, which is an ideal solution for kids wanting to play in a pretend band. Plus, the project uses materials and tools you may already have on hand, making it a cost-saving craft.

Things You'll Need

• Shoe box
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Glue
• 5 rubber bands

Instructions

1. Remove the lid from the shoe box and set the box part aside for now. You want one with a well-fitting lid.

2. Draw a long oval on the lid, using a pencil. Make the oval as long and as wide as the lid, minus 1 inch from the length and the width.

3. Cut out the oval using a pair of scissors.

4. Place a line of glue along the perimeter of the inside of the lid. Put the lid on the box and hold it in place until the glue dries.

5. Wrap five rubber bands around the box, placing them about 1 inch apart. Make sure each rubber band falls over a section of the cut out oval.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint the shoe box with acrylic paint to add more detail.

References

• Parents Connect: Homemade Guitar Craft