I recently got a project for the art of tinkering class as a DIY. And I got one beautiful way to figure out how to make my own handmade music box. Hopefully, it won’t be boring after some time! but I wish it may add some lalala.. to your life!

This delightful DIY project combines your artistic sensibilities with mechanical ingenuity, resulting in a charming musical creation. Let’s break down the process step by step:

You’ll Need:

1. Small wooden box or container
2. Hand-crank mechanism (can be repurposed from a recycled plastic spool)
3. Metal tines (salvaged from discarded wind chimes or musical instruments)
4. Small wooden dowel or stick
5. Strong adhesive or glue
6. Craft knife or scissors
7. Decorative paper or fabric
8. Pencil and ruler
9. Paints, markers, or decorative elements (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Wooden Box: Choose a small wooden box or container as the base of your music box. Ensure the box has a removable lid for access. You can find suitable wooden boxes at craft stores or repurpose old jewellery boxes or gift containers.

Step 2: Design the Hand-Crank Mechanism: If you don’t have a ready-made hand-crank mechanism, you can create one using a recycled plastic spool. Remove any excess parts from the spool and sand down any rough edges. Attach the spool to one side of the box using a strong adhesive, positioning it in a way that the hand crank sticks out from the box.

Step 3: Prepare the Metal Tines: Gather metal tines from discarded wind chimes or musical instruments. If needed, trim the tines to the desired lengths using scissors or a craft knife. Each tine will produce a specific musical note when struck.

Step 4: Attach the Tines: Place the metal tines in a row along the inside of the box’s lid. Space them evenly, and mark their positions with a pencil. Use a strong adhesive to attach the tines to the inside of the lid, making sure they’re securely fixed in place. The tines should be positioned in a way that they align with the hand-crank mechanism when the lid is closed.

Step 5: Create the Crank Handle: Cut a small wooden dowel or stick to serve as the crank handle. Decorate the handle with paints, markers, or other decorative elements to add a personal touch. Attach the handle to the spool, ensuring it’s securely fastened and easy to grip.

Step 6: Decorate the Box: Cover the exterior of the wooden box with decorative paper, fabric, or paint. This step allows you to customize the appearance of your music box according to your artistic preferences. Consider incorporating patterns, colours, or designs that resonate with your personal style.

Step 7: Test and Adjust: Close the lid of the box and give the hand crank a gentle turn. Listen for the musical notes produced by the metal tines as they’re struck by the rotating mechanism. Adjust the position of the tines if necessary to achieve the desired musical tones.

Step 8: Enjoy and Share: Your hand-cranked music box is now ready to delight both your ears and your creative spirit. Turn the hand-crank to enjoy the sweet melodies produced by the metal tines. You can showcase your music box as a unique piece of functional art or gift it to a friend or loved one who appreciates handmade treasures.

By crafting this hand-cranked music box, you’re combining your interests in design, music, and manual mechanics. This delightful creation serves as a testament to your artistic prowess and your dedication to exploring diverse mediums. Whether as a decorative piece or a musical instrument, your hand-cranked music box is sure to bring joy to those who encounter its enchanting melodies.