Make Flute

Join host Dave Jadico as he shows you step by step how to make your own flute from recycled cardboard!

Cardboard wrapping paper tube
Scissors
Ruler
Clear tape
Permanent marker
Colorful plastic tape
Exacto knife

REMEMBER THAT IT'S IMPORTANT TO ALWAYS WORK UNDER ADULT SUPERVISION. SOMETIMES WE USE THINGS THAT CAN BE HARMFUL, LIKE SCISSORS, SO DON'T EVER ATTEMPT TO MAKE THESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ALONE.

1. Take your cardboard wrapping paper tube and measure off about 12 1/2 inches using your ruler. Mark the length using your permanent marker.
2. With an adult helper, use an Exacto knife to carefully cut around the tube where you’ve marked it. Discard the excess. The 12 1/2 inch length of tube will be the body of your flute.
3. Using your ruler and marker, make another mark 2 1/2 inches from the end of the tube. Then make a mark ¾ of an inch from the first mark.
4. Turn your ruler sideways alongside the first mark. Measure out and make a 3/8 inch line. Do the same with the second mark and then connect the lines to make a rectangle. This will be the mouthpiece for your flute.
5. Time to make the finger holes. Measure in 5 inches from the mouthpiece end of your flute. Then make another five marks, each an inch down from the one before it.
6. Cut out the mouthpiece using your Exacto knife. Then cut out a tiny square around each mark you made for the finger holes. Use the end of your marker to gently push into the tops of these holes and make them a little rounder.
7. Close off the end of the tube where the mouthpiece is using your plastic tape. Cut off five pieces, about 2 1/2 inches long each, and wrap each piece over the open end of the tube, crossing them over each other to seal it airtight.
8. Decorate your flute however you like using your colored tape. If you don’t have tape, you can use markers or crayons.
9. Apply a little bit of clear scotch tape over each long edge of your mouthpiece to make them nice and sharp. Be careful not to cover the hole or rip the hole when you do this.
10. To play, simply hold the mouthpiece to your mouth, and blow into it as you press down on the finger holes to make different notes!