It is super simple to make your own sand blocks – and on the cheap!  These are wonderful for a Music center.   You can do group music as you can make a class set for under $25.  Woo hoo!

What you will need:

• 60 coarse grit sand paper
• wood blocks (wood craft section of Hobby Lobby or Michaels – I watch for sales)
• wood glue
• wood ball knobs 1 1/2″
• wax paper

I prefer the wood blocks with the beveled edges for a more professional look.
These cost 79 cents each.  (Watch for your favorite craft store to put the wood crafts on sale!) For super cheap – buy the wood slats (6 per bag).

1.  I cut the sand paper to fit just inside the wood area.
I like to use my paper cutter for a clean cut.

2.  Spread a thin layer wood glue on the face of the wood block.
Smooth the sand paper into place.

3.   Place a layer of wax paper on top of the wood block.
Put a heavy book on top.  Let dry.
(Tip – be careful to place book carefully as not to move the sand paper out of position)

4.  Add a wood ball knob to the back of each block with wood glue.  Let dry.
These knobs make it easier for small hands to hold the blocks during playing.

Ta Da!!  A Pair of Sand Blocks – cost $2.00  (less if wood is purchased on sale!)

(This set costs under a dollar if done with plain wood blocks!)

Buy a set like this in a store and you will pay  $4.00 to $5.95.

I love DIY!!!

5.  Play play play!

Here is a fun song to sing and play with your sand blocks:

The Blocks On The Bus
  (tune: Wheels on the Bus) 

The blocks on the bus go scrape, scrape, scrape,
Scrape, scrape, scrape, scrape, scrape, scrape,
The blocks on the bus go scrape, scrape, scrape,
All through the town.