My Little Drum

This is an updated version of an old favorite that starts with a fun painting technique and ends with the addition of drumsticks. It's the perfect project for your little Thanksgiving "Indian" or your little holiday "Drummer Boy" (or girl!). The best part? This is a VERY quiet drum. The one in the picture was made by my 3 year old grandson.

Approximate Time: 20 - 30 minutes plus drying time

Supplies:

• empty coffee can with plastic lid
• construction paper
• cardboard tubes - bath tissue, paper towels, or wrapping paper
• small bowls
• acrylic craft or tempera paints
• cellophane tape
• scissors
• a pair of chop sticks or two wooden dowels
• electrical tape

Instructions:

Cut construction paper to fit around outside of the coffee can.

Place a little paint into the bottom of a few small bowls, placing a different color into each. Cut longer cardboard tubes into 3 - 4 inch lengths.

Hold a cardboard tube at one end, dip the opposite end into one of the paint dishes, and then stamp the paint onto the construction paper to create circles. Continue in the same manner to fill the paper with colorful circles, overlapping them and creating unique designs. Allow the paint to dry.

Tape the dried paint picture around the can to finish the drum

To make the drumsticks, wrap electrical tape around one end of each chopstick or dowel to create "handles". Use these to play the drum.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL