African drums, also often called “djembe”, are portable musical instruments perfect for creating a background rhythm or even being used as a main instrument. You can build them by hand by simply attaching a cardboard tube to a flowerpot with an embroidery hoop on top and sturdy plastic. Most of the necessary items are readily available at a craft store, while the cardboard tube can be found at a carpet or flooring store. Follow the tips below to build your African drum.
Steps
Step 1. Measure the cardboard tube and the bottom of the flowerpot
Use a measuring tape to measure the diameter of the cardboard tube and the bottom of the flowerpot. The diameter of the 2 objects should be the same and the bottom edge of the pot should not extend beyond that of the tube.
Step 2. Measure the embroidery hoop and flowerpot top
Again use the measuring tape to measure the diameter of the embroidery hoop and the top of the flowerpot. Both should be the same size and by placing the embroidery hoop on top of the flowerpot, the edges of the 2 objects should be more or less aligned.
Step 3. Cut the cardboard tube
Use a pair of scissors to cut the cardboard tube to a height of about 30cm.
Step 4. Cut the plastic
- Find hard, strong, flexible plastic, like a flattened beach ball.
- Spread it out on a flat surface.
- Put the embroidery hoop on top.
- Use scissors to cut it into a piece that has a larger diameter (at least 7cm) than the embroidery hoop.
Step 5. Build the "skin" (membrane) of the drum
- Separate the inner ring of the embroidery hoop from the outer one.
- Place the piece of plastic on the inner ring of the frame; the shiny side of the plastic must face upwards.
- Stretch the plastic well over the inner ring or, if necessary, find another person to hold the plastic taut.
- Arrange the outer ring of the frame over the inner ring and the plastic.
Step 6. Attach the membrane to the drum body
- Place the embroidery hoop and plastic on top of the flower pot. The edges of the pot and the frame should be aligned, the shiny side of the plastic facing up.
- Secure the plastic and frame to the flowerpot using packing tape all around the circumference of the vase and frame.
- Use scissors to cut any unnecessary pieces of plastic from the drum membrane.
Step 7. Attach the cardboard tube to the jar
- Place the cardboard tube straight upright on a flat surface.
- Place the bottom of the pot against the top of the tube, the edges of the tube and the pot should coincide.
- Use masking tape to attach the cardboard tube to the flowerpot, put it all around both the vase and the tube.
Step 8. Decorate the drum
Use jute, yarn, colors and other materials of your choice to decorate the drum as you wish. Jute and yarn are useful for covering the parts of the drum where the duct tape is visible.
