- 1). Sand both of the wooden blocks with a power sander to remove all splinters and smooth rough edges. Be careful not to sand the wood too heavily, as that could cause the blocks to be misshapen.
- 2). Apply polyurethane wood sealant to the sanded blocks with a clean paintbrush. Lay some newspaper on a workspace, and place the blocks on top. Apply a coat of sealant to all exposed sides of the blocks. Follow sealant directions for proper drying time. After the sealant has dried, turn the blocks over to reveal the unsealed sides. Apply sealant to these sides, and allow the blocks to dry thoroughly.
- 3). Cut pieces of felt and medium-grit sandpaper that are large enough to completely cover the side of the block with the largest surface area; it should measure about 4 inches by 8 inches.
- 4). Apply a few beads of multipurpose white glue to one 4-by-8 side of each wooden block. Place one bead of glue in each corner and one in the center. Place the felt piece over the glue, then press it down, starting in the center and working out toward the corners to remove any bubbling. You can continue to the next step before the glue has dried.
- 5). Apply a few more beads of glue over the felt on each block in the same manner in which you applied the glue to the wood. Place the sandpaper pieces over the glue, and press them down, flattening from the center towards the corners. Place a heavy book over each piece of sandpaper to keep it flat as the glue dries. Let the sandpaper blocks sit for at least an hour.
- 6). Trim any excess felt or sandpaper from the finished blocks. This will give the blocks a clean, uniform look. The blocks now are ready for children to rub together and create rhythmic sounds as they learn about music and the accompanying sounds of percussion.
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