I know this isn’t going to be the most popular post we have ever posted, but my son is into music. He is also into music stands and every where we go he finds one. At restaurants the “Please wait to be seated” sign is one, at parks the little signs that tell you about the plants become ones and on the airplane his tray table became one too. So it shouldn’t have been such a shock when he said he wanted to make one for a project. Well I never say no to a challenge!
- Gather your materials. You will need a wrapping paper roll , a shoe box , decorations ( we used stickers) , scissors and a lot of packing tape.
- Start by having your wee one add stickers to the roll for decoration, you can also paint or color it too! Can you tell he just got up from a nap?
- Cut the top off the shoe box. Keep both pieces.
- Make a slit on either side of one end of the roll about 2-3 inches long.
- Bend one side down to make a lip. Tape the top of the shoe box on . Use a lot of tape!
- Cut 4 slits on the other end about the same length to make an X shape.
- Have your helper hold the tube to the bottom of the box. This picture took almost as long to take as the stand took to make.
- Tape it down.
- It’s done and leaning only a little to the right.
Books
Mole Music by David McPhail is a beautiful book about the power of music, trying hard and not giving up on your dreams. The story is about a mole who sees a violin on TV one day and decides to get his own and play. He is terrible at first but sticks with it. His music becomes beautiful, and over the years he thinks only he can hear and enjoy it. In reality his music is nourishing a grand tree above the ground that serves roles in great things including as a mediator in a battle where both sides end up coming to a peaceful agreement instead of warfare. Now yes I think that one little mole’s music ending a war is a rather large statement but if you break it down, music and the arts are vital and do transform people’s lives the way they transformed Mole’s. My favorite part is in one illustration Mole is playing anf in another tunnel you can see his old TV discarded and tipped over, I like that message.
Sunny by Robin Mitchell and Judith Steedman is a great book about finding sounds all around and making music with anything and everything you find. Sunny hears music from the animals around town, the vehicles and of course his friends playing at the playground. My son loved when they had a “Hootenanny” and everyone together makes music in their own way. This book reminded me of the broadway show “Stomp” from the 90s, and is a great lesson for kids about how accessible making music really is.
Moose Music by Sue Porter is a goofy book about how what might sound like a racket to you, may indeed be music to other ears. Moose finds a violin in the mid and picks it up, and plays it. The sound is not music to the animals and people in the forrest. They get angry, they threaten to chase him, and he doesn’t stick around. He doesn’t stop playing thoughm he plays with all his heart and finally someone appreciates it. A lady moose , as you may have guessed it they fall in love and live happily ever after. My son thought this book was hilarious . It’s a cute lesson about following your heart even in the face of adversity.
Robyns Online World says
That is one of the most clever things I have seen in a long time! Excellent!
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Paula says
love it! I’m sure my kiddos would love it, too
.-= Paula´s last blog ..Thirsty Thursday – Milky Way Galaxy =-.
Sarah says
Haha – brilliant!
Susan says
I think that imaginative play items that you make with your son are my favorites. This is such a creative idea. Thanks for all you do!
Crystal says
I love this! I am trying to find ideas for a music theme and this will work perfect. My girls will be so excited. Thanks for sharing this great idea and so many wonderful books!
.-= Crystal´s last blog ..Family Christmas Party =-.
Kim says
I think it is great. Very cool idea. I bet he plays with it forever. You should have just made it for a Christmas present. 😉
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Deborah says
That is absolutely darling! I think it is one of my favorite posts:) Looks like you have a little conductor on your hands!
.-= Deborah´s last blog ..And the Sunshine Award goes too…. =-.
Tanya says
I love it, Allie! Super creative and I just love that your little guy is so into music. My 3 year old also loves music, but more on the singing and dancing end of it (she wants to be a ballerina & singer) 🙂
Natalie says
Cute craft! I have to look for some of those books in the library.
.-= Natalie´s last blog ..StArt – Books About Snowmen =-.
anabelle says
my daughter is obsessed with music right now too! the funnest thing i’ve ever done for her was hang two sheer wide scarfes from her cielling in her room (low cieling under an eave) to make a stage.. lol she was hannah montana allllll day
Emily says
So cute and clever. No doubt you made your little musician’s day. Hope you’re feeling well!
.-= Emily´s last blog ..US Geography Piece by Piece =-.
Muthering Heights says
That is GREAT!!!
My girls are VERY into classical music, and I know they would LOVE this!!!
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Marie {Make and Takes} says
Oh, my! This is sooooo cute. I love ideas for leftover wrapping paper rolls! Great idea.
.-= Marie {Make and Takes}´s last blog ..Stirring Up Snowman Chocolate Spoons =-.
melissa says
what a great idea! We love recycled crafts!
Josie says
I LOVE this!!! I am going to go make one for my daughter right now. She is always wanting one of these. She also wants a vanity. Any ideas on how to make one of those? 😉
Deb Blatt says
LOVE THIS SO MUCH! It is my favorite. My husband is a music teacher and this will be great for my 4 year old!!!!