Balloon Drum (class project)
Difficulty to Make: capable 8+ year old

The hypnotic rthyms of a balloon drum are enticing.  A very simple drum to make and surprisingly loud for its size.  When the balloons wear out, just put on some fresh ones.  Click link for a pdf version 
make balloon drum.pdf

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Balloon Drum Instructions
Instrument type: Membranophone
Materials
cardboard tube 80mm+ diameter, bamboo or wooden dowel approximately 12mm x 200mm, balloons, 2 medium sized beads, light string, Insulation tape
Tools 
80 grit sandpaper, small hacksaw, hotglue gun, drill/bits, pencil

Instructions
Make Parts
1 Saw bamboo 200mm, sand ends to make smooth.
2 Saw section of cardboard tube 40mm wide
Assemble Parts
3 Drill holes in tube, the same diameter as your stick.  Make sure holes are opposite each other and in the middle of the tube section.
4 Push the stick through the holes in the tube so one end protrudes slightly out one side of cardboard tube. Hot glue into place.
5 Drill small holes in the stick in the center of the tube section and in the tube section on both sides.
6 Thread string through the hole in the stick to the middle of the string and tie a knot. Glue in place if necessary.
7 Thread string through holes in cardboard from the inside to the outside.
8 Tie the beads onto the string so that the beads will strike in the middle of the drum skin.
9 Cut the neck off the balloon. The best place to cut will depend on the diameter of the cardboard tube. Cut closer to the neck if tube is smaller than 100mm.  Stretch the balloons over each side of the tube. Tape in place with electrical tape if necessary.
10 Twist stick between hands to make beads hit
opposite sides of the drum.
Optional
Give the handle better grip with masking tape or cloth soaked in PVA glue, spiraled around the handle. Paint for extra bling.
Notes
• It may take a couple of try's to get the balloons cut correctly to stay on the drum.
• Good quality balloons will mean replacing them less often.