Play the Music, Not the Instrument

After much contemplation and numerous attempts at other designs, I finally created a piece that I am really happy with.

First, I chose the top off an old wooden case as my base. Then, I cut the piano rolls in strips and used the section with the words as the texture to the background and the “holes” as the texture on the edges and sides.

I Decoupaged and let it dry overnight.

Next, I wanted to find something that represented the staffs for music and dug up some of my old Lionel train track.

I put them together, spaced them out and the screwed them to the base with baby screws.

Next up, I laid out my design using all kinds of musical instrument parts. You’ll see a little cymbal (thanks Geo!), an old plastic flute, a drumstick, a horn mouthpiece, a chin rest from a violin, a toy harmonica, parts of a trumpet, toy xylophone sticks, a whistle, a jaw harp and the gold colored round bits are pieces off an old trumpet. 

Last but not least, I used a clip that a marching band musician would use to hold their music as the clip that holds the message: “Play the Music, Not the Instrument.”

I glued everything down with Gorilla Glue Super Glue, which by the way is the best Super Glue I have ever used (and I am pretty choosy when it comes to adhesives.) I strongly endorse it!

This project was a ball and I really enjoyed finally feeling that “AHA!” moment when it all came together.