You’ll need Styrofoam, paper, or plastic drinking cups. You can wash used disposable drinking cups and use them for crafts. [1] X Research source You will also need glue, masking tape, shoe polish, a paintbrush, rags, and permanent markers. [2] X Research source
If you’re doing this activity with kids, they should be able to manage this step on their own. However, if you’re working with a large group of children it may be easier to prepare the cups yourself ahead of time. Young kids especially may be impatient waiting for their cups to dry and want to hurry into to the decorating process. [4] X Research source
Use strips of masking tape 4 to 5 inches in length. If you’re doing this activity with kids, you can allow them to tear off their own masking tape. [5] X Research source Coat the drum in small strips of masking tape, overlapping as needed so the whole drum is covered in a layer of tape. [6] X Research source
If you’re working with kids, use your judgment regarding shoe polish. If you feel your kids are old enough to handle applying it on their own, allow them to do so with supervision. Very young children, however, may make a mess when using shoe polish. If you decide to let your kids apply the polish alone, have them wear old clothing or provide them with smocks. Shoe polish can smear easily.
You will need a garden pot or planter made with a terra-cotta covering. It should have a seven inch diameter. You should be able to find this at a local gardening or craft shop. [8] X Research source You will need a plastic lid big enough to fit over the pot. You can use a disposable food storage lid. [9] X Research source You will also need another lid that goes with a sturdy plastic container. The pot should be able to sit comfortably on this container. You can buy a plastic container at a local craft shop. However, you can also use a deli container or a takeout container for soup. [10] X Research source You will also need dry beans, twine or string, medium weight twine, a glue gun, craft glue, and brown acrylic paint. [11] X Research source
If you’re working with a child, help him during this process. It can be helpful to show him zig-zag patterns online to get a sense of what he should be creating. A child should not operate a glue gun without supervision. If your child is very young, it’s best to operate the glue gun yourself.
Apply a thin line of glue running along the rim of the storage container lid. You can have your child do this as well, with your supervision. [13] X Research source Press the lid onto the top of the planter. Hold for a few seconds. [14] X Research source
From here, fill the container at the bottom with dry beans. this will weigh down the drum, allowing it to be more stable when played. Seal the container with the lid when you’re finished. [17] X Research source
Various animals may represent different things on a drum. A crocodile is considered one of the first creatures on earth in some African cultures, for example. A python is often associate with divination and fortune-telling. Chickens can represent possibility and sacrifice. Fish can represent wealth and happiness. [19] X Research source A padlock can represent power and control. Some occupations also hold significance. Drawing a blacksmith, or a blacksmith’s tools, on your drum can symbolize transformation or fire. [20] X Research source Keep in mind symbolism varies from culture to culture. You might want to get a sense of how symbolism is used and then use symbols from your own personal life and culture on your drums. For example, if a particular animal has special symbolism to you, you could put that on your drum.
Both masking tape and terra-cotta are easy to paint or draw on with markers. With the terra-cotta project, beads of glue from the zig-zagging process may be visible. These can be covered up with the use of paint or markers. [21] X Research source When working with children, provide smocks or have your kids wear old clothing. Paint and markers can get messy.
