Roar VBS: Tin Can Drums (& Pencil Cups)
These tin can drums are a fun VBS craft/musical instrument – and they’re practical storage containers too!
Want more musical instrument ideas? Check out our egg shaker instruments and tin can shaker drums!
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Supplies:
-Empty, clean tin cans
–Spray paint
–Duct tape
–Permanent markers
–Faith pencils or safari pencils
-Optional: decorating accents (VBS stickers, faith stickers, washi tape, etc)
Instructions:
-Before VBS: If there are any rough/sharp edges along the top of the can, I’d suggest putting a coat of cheap duct tape along the top rim before you do anything else. Spray paint the outside of the tin cans (flip them upside down to paint). I sprayed two coats on mine to make sure I didn’t miss any spots. Make sure you shake the spray paint really well or it won’t apply smoothly!
-At VBS: Instruct your kids to flip the tin can upside down (so the solid side of the can is up). This is the top of their “drum”. Encourage them to decorate the surface with permanent markers. They could write the bible verse or bible point, or just decorate with fun shapes!
-Decorate the rest of the can. Depending on the time and resources available, you could use permanent markers, duct tape, washi tape, stickers, or any other fun decorating items you find hiding in your supply closet (surely I can’t be the only one who finds these treasures, right?!).
-Write each kid’s name somewhere on their can using a permanent marker.
-Give each child 2 pencils (aka drum sticks). They can “play” the drum with the can upside down, then flip the can right side up and use it to store their “drum sticks”. (You can also use the fun decorated tin cans as storage containers for pretty much anything! I am using one of these in my pantry for food coloring right now.) I love a craft that is fun AND practical!
This is a quick craft, so your kids may have time to make more than one tin can drum if this is your only craft/Imagination Station activity for the evening. We often have our kids make one item to keep, then a duplicate to pack in our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.
I am a long-time Vacation Bible School lover. I’ve lead in several capacities throughout the VBS world and am currently our church’s VBS director. It is a joy for me to be able to share VBS ideas and resources with others! Follow BorrowedBlessings to see more of our ideas and planning!