- To start your bongo drum project, clean out two coffee cans or two oatmeal containers. For some variety, you can use one of each to create bongo drums with two distinct sounds. Wash out the coffee can and wipe out the oatmeal container with a paper towel. Dry them thoroughly and leave the lids off so they can air dry. Clean the lids if needed. After your containers are clean and ready to go, you can decorate them however you choose. Acrylic paint works on the oatmeal container, while the coffee can may need spray paint. A second option is to wrap a piece of paper around each container and tape it. Cut the paper to size and make sure it fits snugly. Paper will be easier to decorate than paint.
- A variety of decorations can be used, from glitter to markers and crayons. Draw pictures or cut shapes out of craft foam and glue them to the sides of the drum. Use construction paper to add color. Stamps are also helpful. Encourage children to be creative with their designs. Providing a variety of craft materials for their use gives them the opportunity to experiment as they create their artwork.
- Once the decorations are finished, you can assemble the drum. To connect the two bongos together, hot glue two large wooden beads between the two containers. Wait for the glue to dry before using. Place the lids back on each container. The lid provides the surface to bang on, and children can experiment to see which part of the lid creates different noises. Finally, add the strap. The strap can be made of ribbon, string or any other long, thin material. Punch a hole near the top of each drum and tie the string through it. The coffee can is strong and will require drilling to create a hole. Hot gluing the string is an alternate option. When everything is dry, the bongos are ready to play.
