Ever thought about turning your trash into a treasure trove of music? Let’s dive into some fun and creative ways to make your own musical instruments using everyday recycled items.
Bottle Cap Tambourine
String together some bottle caps on a wire to create a tambourine that jingles with every move. My niece loves dancing around with hers!
Cardboard Tube Drums
Grab those cardboard tubes from your last batch of paper towels and transform them into vibrant drums. I’ve painted mine in bold colors and topped them with some fabric for a unique sound.
Plastic Bottle Rain Sticks
Who knew that plastic bottles could mimic the sound of rain? Fill them with small pebbles and cover the outside with fabric for a tactile and auditory delight.
PVC Pipe Flute
Cut a PVC pipe to length and drill holes to make a flute that sounds magical. Crafting this was a weekend well-spent!
Milk Jug Bongo
An empty milk jug can be turned into a bongo with a little creativity and some fabric. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose and have fun!
Straw Oboes
Flatten one end of a straw and cut a small slit to turn it into a mini oboe. I once made a whole orchestra of these with my friends!
Box Guitars
Turn an old box into a makeshift guitar by adding rubber bands for strings. My nephew loves strumming on his, feeling like a rock star in training!
Bottle Cap Castanets
Use bottle caps and a strip of cardboard to make your own castanets. Simple to make, yet incredibly fun to play with!
Wooden Stick Xylophones
Collect some old wooden sticks and arrange them by size to create a xylophone. When I made mine, I couldn’t believe how musical it sounded!
String Can Bass
Combine a large can with some string to create a bass that’s as fun to play as it is to make. Perfect for those backyard concerts!
Straw Pan Flutes
Cut some straws to different lengths and tape them together for a pan flute. It’s a simple project with surprisingly delightful results!
Coffee Can Bongos
Repurpose those large coffee cans into bongos by covering the tops with fabric. We love jamming out with these in our living room!
Balloon Drums
Stretch a balloon over a can to make a drum that’s perfect for little hands. When my kids tried this, they were thrilled with the poppy sound!
Paper Towel Tube Didgeridoo
Turn a long paper towel tube into a didgeridoo with some paint and creativity. The deep tones it produces are sure to surprise you!
Rubber Band Banjo
A shoebox and a few rubber bands are all you need to create a charming banjo. The twangy sound it makes is surprisingly satisfying!
Pie Tin Cymbals
Tape some pie tins together to create cymbals that add flair to any jam session. In my house, these are always a hit with the kids!
Tin Can Shakers
Those empty tin cans can be filled with beans or rice to create delightful shakers. Wrap them in colorful paper for a festive touch that makes every shake a celebration.
DIY Kazoo
Using a toilet paper roll and some wax paper, create a simple kazoo that’s great for entertaining guests. It’s a guaranteed giggle-maker!
Egg Carton Maracas
An egg carton can easily become a pair of maracas by filling the cups with beans and sealing them shut. My kids love decorating theirs with markers.
Decorative Tambourines
Glue some jingle bells around the edge of a paper plate for a fun tambourine. I love adding stickers and paint to mine for a personal touch.