These adorable little click-clack toys, also known as Bottle Top Castanets , have been sitting on my project list for what feels like forever. I first came across this wonderful idea many years ago while putting together a 15 Musical Crafts round-up. El Hada de Papel had created a charming set, and we were eager to try them ourselves! All these years later, we finally did. Aren’t they absolutely delightful?
I especially love that we chose bottle tops decorated with birds for ours. It looks as though our little click-clack crocodile has just attempted to swallow a bird… but don’t worry, he hasn’t managed it… the bird will pop out again immediately. Now, let’s get started with our little craft.
Bottle Top Castanets – Materials:
- Cardboard
- 2 metal bottle tops
- Strong PVA Craft Glue – some hot glue guns may work, although not all of them are powerful enough
- Googly eyes
- Paint
And this.. is how simple it is to make Bottle Top Castanets
Watch the video on autoplay, scroll down to view the same video on YouTube, or follow the written step-by-step instructions below. Have fun!
How to make Bottle Top Castanets (written instructions):
Time needed:20 minutes
Creating bottle top castanets is incredibly simple, and you can spend as much or as little time on them as you wish. The amount of detail and the quantity of paint you use will determine how long the project takes to dry!
- Cut your cardboard
Trim a piece of cardboard to twice the length you would like your finished castanets to measure. Ours is 17cm x 3cm wide, although this is only an approximation!
- Decorate your castanets
Next, decorate your castanets. You could use paint, stickers, washi tape, or anything else you have available, depending on how much time you have. If you paint them, allow them to dry!
- Fold your cardboard castanet in half
Mark the centre of your castanet and bend the cardboard in half.
- Glue your bottle tops
A strong adhesive is needed for attaching the bottle tops (we are fond of Anita’s tacky glue), though a hot glue gun should also do the job. Allow everything to dry completely.
- Play and make music
Feel like trying some more Musical Craft Ideas? Have a look at:
15 Music Crafts
