Cure boredom in a hurry by making your kids some musical tambourines. There are lots of different designs you can create, but no matter which technique you use, the tambourines are fun and easy to make. You can make them using things from around your house or go to a craft store and purchase supplies to create your one-of-a-kind tambourine.
One way to make a quick tambourine is to use two paper plates. Glue, tape or staple a strip of cardboard onto the back of one paper plate. This will become the handle for the tambourine. Place a few bells on one plate, cover with the other, then tape, glue or staple shut. You can then color or further decorate the tambourine. Instead of bells, you can use beads or rice, but the bells make the best sound.
Purchase the bells in a variety of sizes at any craft store. Paper plate tambourines can be decorated with crayons, markers, fake fur, stickers or colored tape. Glue on rhinestones, fake jewels or small wooden shapes.
Instead of paper plates you can create something similar by cutting craft foam into a plate shape. Just cut two circles – large or small – and trap the bells inside. When working with the craft tape isn’t the best choice for sealing the edges. Use glue or staples – even hot glue – but not tape. You can glue a handle, cut from the craft foam, on one side. Use two different colors for the circles, or make the tambourine all one color. The best way to decorate these types of tambourines is by using paint markers. Use stencils, if you wish, to create more intricate patterns on the craft foam.
Plastic disposable bowls are also great for making tambourines. Cut a circle of cardboard, the size of the bowl, to glue on top of the bowl. Place a few bells inside the bowl and glue the cardboard over the top. You can cover the cardboard with fabric or decorative paper before gluing it on. The plastic bowls can be decorated with stickers, paint markers or glue-on embellishments. Make a handle by gluing on a piece of cord or even cardboard. Make a much more dimensional tambourine by placing the bells in one bowl, and covering with a second bowl.
Even a piece of folded paper can be come a cute tambourine. Choose a colorful piece of paper and fold it in half, placing the bells inside. Tape the edges of the paper closed. Use clear, adhesive contact paper to laminate the paper and keep it from ripping. Center the paper tambourine on the contact paper, fold the contact paper over the tambourine, and trim away excess contact paper. After laminating you can cut the tambourine into a circle or other shape. Make something similar by placing the bells in an envelope then laminating it with clear, adhesive paper. Stickers work well to decorate this tambourine.
You can even make a tambourine out of a zipper lock bag. Place a piece of cardboard inside the bag. With the bag laying on its side, place the bells on the cardboard, then place another piece of cardboard on top of the bells. Push the air out of the bag and zip it. Attach a handle, made from a strip of cardboard, with tape. The simple tambourine can be decorated with decorative tape or stickers. Before zipping it shut you can also throw in glitter, sequin or even confetti. These will add glitz and color to the tambourine.
Make a simplistic tambourine in a second by using two large stickers which are exactly alike. Place a couple bells on one sticker and cover with the other. Trim. Kids can just hold this tambourine and shake it – no handle needed.
When your children get bored don’t turn on the tv set. Get out some supplies and have a tambourine-making party. Invite the neighborhood kids to participate and you’ll have music and smiles for miles!
Reference:
- Purchase bells here: www.michaels.com
