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 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.
Kalimba
Do you know the instrument called the kalimba? A kalimba is a traditional African instrument where you pluck metal tines arranged on a box with your fingers to make sounds; it’s also known as a “thumb piano.” This is about making a kalimba using a plastic bottle, a board from a loaf of kamaboko (fish cake), and plastic coffee stirrers.
Cut off both ends of the plastic stirrers with scissors, fix the kamaboko board to the plastic bottle with double-sided tape, and wrap wire around it.
Cut the assembly in half, secure both ends with vinyl tape, fasten it with a rubber band, place the plastic stirrers under a pair of chopsticks, and tape them in place—and you’re done.
Enjoy the mysterious sounds!
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.
