Creative Beading

Simple Homemade Band Instruments

Even if you don’t have a piano or any other musical instrument in your house, you are able to still make a variety of fun band instruments. Creating their unique instrument is a fun and interesting activity if your youngsters are looking for a different type of creative outlet. As a matter of fact, adults can have as much fun as children after they make and play their own unique instruments. When you’ve got a large group of adults or children, you’ll have a lot of fun forming your own personal impromptu band. If so, make sure you take lots of photos of the band in action, because these photos can be a great deal of fun to show off in collage picture frames. Here are some ideas for quick, simple and inexpensive homemade instruments that can help get you started.

Maracas from Coffee Cans

If you want to produce a maraca from a coffee can, what you need is really a metal coffee can, some popcorn kernels, a roll of tape, and decorations if you’d like. Simply remove the plastic lid from your clean can and add a handful of dried beans or popcorn. Place the lid back on the can and tape it securely on. Decorate the can any way that you’d like, perhaps with construction paper or any other embellishments. To play your homemade maracas, simply shake the can.

Tambourines from Pie Pans

No matter how old you might be, tambourines are a fun instrument to play. To make a great homemade version, you’ll need two disposable aluminum pie pans. The very first thing that you will do will be to nest each of the pans together, then use a wooden block as well as an awl to punch several holes into and through the edges of the pans. Once this is complete, you’ll flip the pans so the open sides are now facing each other. Use some yarn to string or sew the plates together, while threading a jingle bell on your yarn in between each hole. When you get to the end knot the yarn, and after that decorate in any manner that you would like.

A Drum from an Oatmeal Canister

People of all ages love drums. If you make these, be sure to take some photos of your child playing it to display in picture frames. When you wish an inexpensive drum, take an empty oatmeal canister and punch two holes straight across from each other, an inch from the top. Use a little bit of yarn and thread throughout the holes, knotting it inside. You may also knot the thread through a small spool or pony bead to keep the knot from pulling through your canister. Make sure the yarn is of sufficient length so that the drum might be hung comfortably around your child’s neck while they play. Then, place the lid on the container, and decorate as desired. To make a couple of drumsticks, glue two small spools or beads on the ends of two unsharpened wooden pencils.

Humming Comb

The humming comb is really a classic homemade instrument. For this instrument, you just need a sheet of tissue or waxed paper as well as a simple plastic pocket comb. Put the paper onto the comb and fold the paper over the teeth edge. Next, just place the comb on your lips and commence to hum. The paper will vibrate, creating an interesting musical sound.

Let the Music Commence

When you have a number of instruments made, get everyone together for a band recital. Make certain you take plenty of photos, and display your favorites in some 5×7 picture frames.

How To Use The Bead Knotter™

BEADING AWLS – Length 5 3/4 Handy awl made more usable by adding a comfortable PVC handle. Great for knotting cord, picking and probing. Stainless steel with fine point….

BEADING AWLS – Length 6 1/4 This bead stringing awl has a hardwood handle and fine point for bead knotting or cleaning out bead holes….

Traditional Indian Bead and Leather Crafts $8.06 This useful book contains complete illustrated instructions on all of the basics of Beadwork and Leather crafts of the American Indian and the early frontier. It is the second in a series on Traditional Indian Crafts and was written in answer to numerous requests for a “how to do it” book that would not only cover the basics of the traditional crafts of the American Indian, but would also present …