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Many love music boxes. For the music box and antique collectors who are creative and like trying new things, making their own music box creation would be a great way to test their creative ability. In addition, if one knows a friend or relative who is soon to be married, the gift of a hand-made wedding music box would be unique and special. This special gift would be sure to bring very special memories for years to come. Here are step-by-step instructions for making a "Hawaiian Wedding Song" music box taken from Sharon Ganske's book, "Making Marvelous Music Boxes".

Materials Needed

For the base, Including Music Box Accessories: Teddy Electronic miniature movement

Decorative Accessories for Music Box: Coordinating fabric, 3"?x7" Matching Thread

Tools: Iron Sewing Machine

Step-by-Step Assembly

Step One: Make a pouch for musical movement by turning and pressing both 3" edges of fabric under 1/4". Turn over another '" and press again. Using a sewing machine, sew a '" seam on both edges, with matching thread.

Step Two: Fold fabric, right sides together. Sew another '" seam along both unfinished edges. Finish off raw edges and turn right side out.

Step Three: Using a medium zigzag stitch, and stretching waistband, sew one folded edge on pouch on the inside waist on teddy, halfway between center and side seams. Insert electronic musical movement so the button is facing outward.

Note: Remove musical movement before laundering.

Music Box Variations

Alter this music box for any number of gift-giving occasions.

-Using the assembly instructions for making a pouch, sew one into the waistband of a festive pair of boxer shorts. Place an electronic musical movement into the pouch. This would make a neat gift for Father's Day or Christmas!

-Using the assembly instructions for making a pouch, sew one into the waistband of a Halloween costume. Place an electronic musical movement into the pouch. There are many Halloween tunes to choose from.

-Using the assembly instructions for making a pouch, sew one into a child?s pillowcase. This is a cool way to get those kids into bed on time!

-Using the assembly instructions for making a pouch, sew one into a child's winter coat. This provides company for the child on those long walks from school. Change the tunes for different holiday seasons.

-Using industrial strength glue, glue an electronic musical movement at the back of a photo frame for a wedding or baby shower gift.

-Using industrial strength glue, glue an electronic musical movement in a jewelry box lid for any special occasion for mom.

-Using industrial strength glue, glue an electronic musical movement in a lunch box-what a fun experience for lunchtime!

-Using Tacky glue, glue an electronic musical movement on top of a present. When handing the recipient the gift, press the musical movement and enjoy the reaction!

For the music box and antique collectors who also enjoy making their own music boxes to add to their collections, giving the gift of a hand-made wedding music box would be a special treasure to that special someone. Why not try to make your first music box toda

Copyright 2006 Monique Hawkins