Small Wooden Harp

Here is a very old project that we had a lot of fun on but forgot to post about. This is our wooden harp, made in 2019, that we made after our ukuleles. This project was very simple, but never worked correctly. Here is a description of the harp and some changes we would make if we were to do this same project today.

Please note, this material is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guide on how to create the designs. Please read our disclaimer.

The harp has a classic triangular design, with one guitar tuner and one long string. The string is attached to the frame using screws. The whole thing is very small and light, you can hold it in one hand. A main problem was that there was not a big difference between the different notes on the harp. It was also hard to play the strings one by one because they were too cramped.

If the HipMonsters team were to make this project again, we would add more than one guitar tuner so you would have different sounds. After looking at pictures of smaller harps online, we noticed that many do not have the classic triangular design, but instead a more rectangular or ovular shape. By using that shape instead of the triangular one, the strings would be less cramped. The thick frame of the wooden harp also makes it look more messy and unwieldy, so we would either use thinner wood or make the harp larger.

Looking back on old projects is a great way to see growth. This harp was very creative, and it was impressive at the time, but there are many ways we would improve this.

Happy Creating!

DIY Ukulele

Inspired by our trips to Hawaii, the sisters team decided to make their own working DIY ukulele. We ended up making a whole lot of them because it is a good way to practice some woodworking skills. We advise using wood that isn’t to hard for the sides, because that makes drilling the center hole a lot easier.Supplies for a DIY Ukulele

We are missing some photos between the required supplies and the final clamping.

DIY Ukulele- clamping the front and back
Clamping the front and back together

After lots of cutting and drilling, we clamped the front and back together. We used a big drill bit to drill the center hole after measuring for the right spot. Make sure that you don’t put two keyholes directly on top of each other, leave room for the strings to go down.  

DIY Ukulele
Ready for painting

We put the keys in and glued the bridge on. We double-checked out measurements a lot so the strings would all align. We also made sure to sand it thoroughly to get off all of the splinters. 

DIY Ukulele
Top View
DIY Ukulele
Close up of the end with the bridge

The keys and bridge came from a set ordered online. We glued it securely to the body with wood glue. 

DIY Ukulele
Painted in a color scheme with sparkly paint

Here is an indestructible DIY ukulele capable of fending off a troll. Made from poplar and bound together with the magic of the ages, its music will impress even fairies.

Happy Creating!