It is time for your slinky to do more than crawl down stairs.

Materials

• Cardboard
• Concrete-pouring tube or metal can, 5 inches or more in diameter
• Small handsaw
• Clear packing tape
• Scissors

• Recycled Tyvek envelope
• Markers or crayons
• Sticky brown-paper craft tape
• Mini metal Slinky

Instructions

1. Cut a cardboard tube to the length of your choice with a small handsaw.

2. Cut the Tyvek into a circle that's 4 inches larger than the diameter of your tube or can.

3. Decorate the circle with markers or crayons.

4. Have one person hold the can or cardboard tube firmly on a tabletop, while another person centers the Tyvek circle over the drum top and tapes one edge to the side of the drum.

5. Pull tightly and tape down the opposite edge. Continue pulling and taping around the edge until the drum makes a nice tone.

6. Cover the sides of the drum, including the Tyvek edges, with brown-paper craft tape. Fold any excess craft tape to the inside of the drum, cutting tabs so the tape lies flat if needed.

7. Decorate the tape with markers or crayons.

8. Use a piece of clear tape to attach the last coil of the mini Slinky to the center of the underside of the drumhead.

Tips:

Try hitting the end of the Slinky too.

Variations:

If you're using a can, remove both ends with a can opener (a parent may need to supervise; sharp edges should be covered with clear tape).

You might also like:

Find more about:

• 1 Hour |
• All Ages |
• Cardboard Crafts |
• Music |
• Music Fun |
• Preschooler |
• School Age |
• Tween

Related Categories:

• Homemade Musical Instruments