Handmade instruments with plastic bottles: try making flutes, percussion, and traditional ethnic instruments.
Plastic bottles really come in handy when you’re making DIY projects, like those for summer vacation.
Kendama and pinwheels are classics, but you can actually make impressive musical instruments using plastic bottles, too!
In this article, we’ll introduce instruments that use the bottle itself, as well as ones that use the caps.
By combining them with items like straws and paper plates, you can create flutes, percussion instruments, and even unique folk instruments—so take inspiration from the ideas we’re about to share and try making them yourself!
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Handmade instruments with plastic bottles: Try making flutes, percussion, and traditional instruments (1–10)
10 Musical Instruments You Can Make with Plastic Bottles
@kajiijapn We’re introducing 10 types of instruments you can make with plastic bottles!Plastic bottle#Summer vacation homeworkSummer Vacation CraftIndependent Research
Original Song – Everyday-Item Instrument Unit kajii – kajii / Future Instruments Lab
Plastic bottles are often used as materials for crafts.
So this time, how about making musical instruments with plastic bottles? Empty bottles can become drums, flutes, or maracas… With a bit of creativity, they can transform into instruments you can actually play! Bottle caps can also be turned into instruments by combining them with other materials, so don’t throw them away—save them.
It’s also a great idea to keep notes on how the sound changes depending on where you make holes and what you put inside.
Rainstick
The instrument called a rainstick got its name because its tone resembles the sound of falling rain.
It’s a traditional African instrument made by driving cactus spines into a hollow piece of wood and placing dried nuts or seeds inside.
Let’s try making a modern version of the rainstick using a plastic bottle! Connect empty plastic bottles, wrap tape around them in a spiral, and insert toothpicks along the spiral.
Open a bottle cap and pour beads inside to finish.
It’s also fun that the sound changes depending on the size of the beads.
Whistle
This is a craft idea for making a whistle using plastic bottle caps.
All the materials are common household items: two plastic bottle caps, a milk (or similar) paper carton, a straw, and duct tape.
Cut the paper carton into a piece 7 cm wide and 3.3 cm long, then roll it up.
Fit this rolled piece into the grooves of the two bottle caps and secure it with duct tape, making sure not to cover any holes.
Next, cut a 5 cm length of straw and slice off half of one end.
Attach that end next to the hole in the paper carton, and you’re done.
The sound depends on the angle of the straw, so experiment to find the best position and make it whistle!
Handmade instruments with plastic bottles: Try making flutes, percussion, and folk instruments (11–20)
Make a flute using a straw
Here’s an idea for making a whistle using a plastic bottle.
Tape the bottle cap to the side of the bottle’s mouth.
Then cut a bendy straw a few centimeters from the bend, flatten the tip slightly so it’s squished, and tape it onto the cap.
However, first check where blowing produces sound—test it before taping it down firmly.
It will make a sound when the air hits the edge of the bottle’s mouth.
Try temporarily fixing parts with masking tape while you adjust the position.
castanet
When you think of castanets, you think of an instrument that makes sound by clacking two pieces of wood together.
It’s an instrument that even small children can handle, and for some reason it’s fun for adults too.
Here’s a simple idea for making castanets using scrap materials you have at home.
All you need is cardboard, plastic bottle caps, and double-sided tape.
Cut a rectangular piece of cardboard to the size of a castanet, fold it with a little extra allowance, and stick two bottle caps on the inside with double-sided tape—and you’re done! The sound is cheerful, and it’s a highly recommended idea.
den-den daiko (Japanese pellet drum; traditional hand drum)
The den-den daiko is no exaggeration to call an instrument you can enjoy from babyhood.
You can easily make one with a plastic bottle cap and items you already have at home.
Prepare cardboard, colored construction paper or origami paper, plastic bottle caps, a pair of chopsticks, and cotton twine.
Firmly attach the chopsticks to the cardboard base, then cover it with colored paper.
Attach plastic bottle caps to lengths of twine, make holes on both sides, thread the twine through, and you’re done! Try making your own original version by shaping it like an animal or drawing pictures on the drum.
plastic bottle maracas
@welbe.co.jp Simple Craft Series: Plastic Bottle Maracas#NeurodevelopmentalDisordersParenting# developmental support (ryōiku)Habi
Good music – neguse.
Maracas are well-known instruments, but they actually help children learn while enjoying music.
In addition to improving their sense of rhythm and motor skills, exposure to music nurtures sensitivity and creativity.
Moreover, using instruments together enhances cooperation with peers and expressive abilities.
Through enjoyable moments, children’s hearts and minds grow richer.
Please value how music fosters growth of both mind and body.
Handmade maracas can be made from a variety of materials, so be sure to spend fun musical time with children using your own homemade maracas.
