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Playing on homemade string instruments and drums

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Playing on homemade string instruments and drums

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rubber band harp with specified pitches

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All sorts of instruments out of household items

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All sorts of instruments out of household items

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Do you know what is perfect for a rainy day? A playdate? Any sick day? Or a just-about-an-anything day? Homemade musical instruments!!

If you are just not sure what to do with the little ones, making a homemade musical instrument band is always the answer. There is so much fun to be had and amazing memories to create as well.

I originally wrote this post on DIY musical instruments a few years ago, so I thought I would share it again, as it really is a classic kids' activity. I hope you like it!

Just before we get started-since I know you love finding new learning opportunities for your little ones-grab my free 20 Deep Learning Activities Found in Everyday Life ebook! When we open our eyes to everything around us, slow down and invite our children into our world, the learning opportunities are endless! Grab your free copy right here:

With the weather turning chilly, we are finding ourselves inside more often. More indoor play, reading, art, and far more crafting too. In fact, I am trying very hard to pick up knitting once again (and when I say once again, I mean from when I was about 8 years old). I have successfully knitted 2 hats (and unsuccessfully knitted a ton of other... 'things').

The kids have also found themselves creating a lot more. And, new to us, there has been a lot of crafting homemade musical instruments. The boys have always loved to dance (or run with their arms flailing) to music, but have only just begun to show an interest in creating the music themselves.

With a looooonnnng winter ahead, I thought it would be a good idea to stock up on some ideas for homemade musical instruments. And well, I kinda got carried away... So I bring you:

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Instruments for Shaking

Rhythmic Shaker - This was the activity that started the fascination with DIY musical instruments for my boys. A classic really, but with a neat twist!

Paper Plate Tambourine by She Knows - A classic activity with some weaving too-a great way to practice fine motor skills while creating homemade instruments! A paper plate, some jingle bells, and yarn or string are all you need.

Ankle Bells by Mini Eco - I think that this knitted project is just what my daughter Madeline has been looking for to create homemade Christmas gifts for her brothers! The colorful yarn is gorgeous too.

Recycled Instruments for Shaking!

Instruments for Plucking or Strumming

Kalimba Musical Instrument by Herding Cats George - A paper plate (and we all know my love for a good paper plate craft!) and some popsicle sticks make this craft perfect for using what you have on hand.

Pin Strummer by Piikea - This one was new to me, but looks so simple, interesting, and inviting I can't wait to give it a try (or should I say a DIY) with my kids.

DIY Strummies by Teach Preschool - Some rubber bands, a box, some creativity, and you are good to go! This activity was an extension to a book-a really neat one, too!

Homemade Musical Instruments for HITTING and BANGING!

Rainbow Xylophone by And Next Comes L - Nothing quite as inviting as playing with rainbow colours on a dull winter's day! This craft will be tucked safely up my sleeve until February, I do believe. (Do you remember me whining about February last year?)

Rainbow Water Xylophone by Still Playing School - Another classic homemade musical instrument with a twist! What a neat idea to add some food colouring... and a light table!

Outdoor Musical Instruments (also great for HITTING and BANGING!)

Pot Bell by Play, Sing, Laugh (link no longer available) - We have a few terra cotta pots leftover from the summer that could be put to good musical use this winter.

Disc Cymbals by Happy Hooligans - So simple, fun, and creative! And I bet they are a nice quieter alternative to some homemade cymbals.

Balloon Bongo Drums by Kids Activities Blog - Such a neat idea to use balloons for the drum surface!

Wrench Xylophone by De Tout et De Rien - This has my Sammy's name written all over it. I will have to wait for a weekend when our wrenches will not be needed for a while. I have a feeling after we make this we won't be able to wrench (?) for a few weeks.

The Most Creative DIY Musical Instruments for Kids!

Den Den Drums by Learning 4 Kids - I had never thought to use a wooden spoon for a drum-such simple creativity!

French Horn by Savvy Homemade - Bet you have never seen a french horn quite like this one! For us, it will require some supplies we don't have at home-like a funnel and corrugated pipe -but it just might be worth the trip!

by All for the Boys - Learn something new every day, right? Who knew this was a thing?!

The EASIEST Musical Instruments to Make

Aboriginal Clapping Sticks by Laughing Kids Learn - A wonderful homemade instrument to practice rhythm and beat.

Banging Wall by SouleMama - Such a lovely, open-ended invitation to create music, from my favourite blogger of all time!

Singing Straws by Krokotak - Now this one looks awesome! Take a few straws and tape and you have quite the creation.

Popsicle Stick Harmonica by Housing a Forest - We have already tried this homemade musical instrument and it is the ideal blend of simplicity and fun! Just grab some colored popsicle sticks and rubber bands, and you're set.

Jingle Bell Ankle Bracelets by Twodaloo (link no longer available) - Put these little gems-made with painted wooden beads and jingle bells -on your ankle and just TRY to walk normally 🙂

Those are enough homemade musical instruments to keep us busy all winter-and hopefully for you and yours too!

I tell you friends, if you are ever not sure what to do with your preschoolers on a rainy day, or if a playdate is going awry, or if it's a snow day for the big kids... homemade musical instruments will be your saving grace.

Here's hoping Mama doesn't get a headache!

You'll also love these How Wee Learn best-sellers:

50 Perfect Crafts for 2 Year Olds!

The Ultimate No Cook Playdough Recipe

43 Quiet Time Activities for 2 Year Olds
P.S. Don't forget to grab your free ebook!

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Splendidly Creative {and simple} Homemade Instruments!

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Do you know what is perfect for a rainy day? A playdate? Any sick day? Or a just-about-an-anything day? Homemade musical instruments!! If you are just not sure what to do with the little ones, making a homemade musical instrument band is always the answer.

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rubber band harp - perfect for showing how size changes the pitch.

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tiny balloon drums

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Jack White - Building a guitar + I fought piranhas (©It Might Get Loud)

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some inspiration for guitar-making

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It Might Get Loud | "Jack White Builds a Guitar Then Plays It" Official Clip (2009)