Let’s get the band together and make some DIY music!

Sustainability is really important to me and I love recycling, repurposing and reimagining pretty much anything I can get my hands onto. In this easy craft DIY I will show you how to create a toy drum using a clean empty yoghurt tub, fringed coloured paper and craft materials. 

Recycling yogurt tubs to make musical instruments can be a fun and engaging way to repurpose an item that would otherwise go to waste. It may also promote creativity and skill-building as kids experiment with different sounds and techniques. 

Another benefit of recycling household items for crafts encourages creativity as children learn to use unconventional materials in unique ways and at the same time teaches kids the importance of sustainable living and reducing their carbon footprint (win, win, win!)

This simple DIY craft activity also provides a fun and engaging way for children to learn about different concepts like colors, shapes, textures and sound.

Let’s get started!

Materials:

🟡 A clean, empty yoghurt tub

🟠 Colored paper

🔴 Baking Paper

🟢 An elastic band

🔵 Pipe cleaners

🟡 Craft embellishments

🟠 Scissors & glue

🔴 2 Paddle pop sticks or chopsticks to use as drumsticks

Instructions:

Gather these materials materials: clean yogurt tub, coloured paper, scissors, glue, craft materials such as pipe cleaners, elastic band and baking paper.

Lets start by decorating your yogurt tub with paper fringing. Cut a selection of coloured paper into rectangles about 5cm wide and 10cm long.

Cut fringes into the strips making sure not to cut all the way through to the other side.

Glue the strips of paper around the outside of the yogurt tub making sure to stagger the strips so they do not all end at the same point. If glue is too messy, you can always use sticky tape.

If you like, you can decorate the drum with craft materials such as stickers or glitter. I chose to leave mine minimal. 

Cut a circle 4cm wider than the yoghurt tub circumference onto two sheets of baking paper. Cut these sheets out.

Place these circles on top of the tub and secure with an elastic band.

Cover the elastic band by twisting pipe cleaners on top and around the yoghurt tub.

Use wooden spoons, wooden chopsticks or even your fingers to play the drum.

Want to make your playtime more fun and creative?

Here are some fun tips for you:

Experiment with different rhythms and sounds by hitting the drum in different ways and with different drubsticks.

Play along to your favourite songs or make up your own drum beats.

Invite people to join in the music making fun with other instruments.

Read a fun music inspired book with your child such as ‘Alpacas with Maracca’s’ by Matt Cosgrove (one of my favs) before your begin making your recycled yoghurt tub drum.