Introduction: Cardboard Ukulele
Step 1: Gather Materials
Here is a list of Materials you'll need:
1) Cardboard!
2) Scissors
3) Yarn
4) Push Pins/ Tacks
5) Paint (optional)
6) Glue
7) Marker (optional)
8) Ruler
9) Ukulele for Size Reference
10) Paint Sealant (optional)
Step 2: Trace and Cut
Step 3: Duplicate
Step 4: Make the Rim
Step 5: Overview So Far!
At this step, it should be the moment where your project is completely dry, 100%. Now, you should have a ukulele body with a hole at the top to continue on to the next step. Remember, do not continue on to the step until it is completely dry.
Step 6: Make the Neck
Take another piece of cardboard with a length of 9 inches. Fold the width of the cardboard so that you have sections of 2 2inch sides and 2 1.25inch sides. Tape and glue it shut, and slide it into the opening of the body of the ukulele, and glue again in place. Let it dry for a few hours, and continue on to the next step.
Step 7: Make the Head
Take more cardboard and create a box with one open end with the dimensions of 3X1.75X2.25 inches. Slide this box onto the neck of the ukulele. Glue in place and wait a few more hours for it to dry again.
Step 8: Make the Tuning Pegs
Use push pins or tacks and push them into the cardboard head piece. 4 tacks will do the trick. Place two towards the top, and two below that. The picture shows what your ukulele should be looking like right now.
Step 9: Painting! (optional)
Paint you ukulele to your commands! Feel free and paint it in any way you want! Add designs, stickers, and many random colors to make your ukulele pop! End with a paint sealant which is totally optional, but will give a shine to your ukulele.
Step 10: Stringing Your Ukulele
About an inch and a half below the hole in the front of your ukulele, place a line of glue. Then, place four stings perpendicular to the glue and make sure they are separate from one another. Wait for the glue and strings to dry to the ukulele completely before you put the bridge on top. DONT pull the strings to the tacks quite yet for it will make unstable tuning sounds when your completely done.
Step 11: Final Touches to Complete the Ukulele
Once your strings are completely dried to the ukulele, place a flat piece of cardboard that is 2.75inches by 0.5inches and add lots more glue. Yes the glue will show in the end, but the more glue you use, the better focused sound you will get out of the ukulele. Wait for it to dry again and pull the strings tightly to the tacks at the head of the ukulele. Wrap the strings around the tacks very tightly! Once everything is completely dry, your ukulele is a success!
Step 12: Have Fun!!!
Enjoy your cardboard ukulele and play your heart away!