How To Make A Rain Stick

What is a rain stick?

A rain stick is an instrument from South America that mimics the sound of rain. Traditionally, rain sticks were made from a hollowed-out cactus by removing the spikes and poking them into the empty cactus shell. Then, one end of the cactus would be sealed and dried beans would be poured into the cactus. Finally, the other end of the cactus would also be sealed. The rain stick can be played by slowly turning the stick from horizontal to vertical. The sound of rain is created by the sound of the beans sliding through the cactus and bouncing off the spikes inside.

Supplies you need to make a rain stick:

- cardboard tube (can be a paper towel roll or a gift wrap roll)

- nails (approximately 40)

- tape

- large sheet of paper

- dried rice or beans

- two small squares of fabric

- two elastic bands

- something to decorate your rain stick with (paints, stickers, markers, etc)

Directions:

1. Carefully poke the nails into the cardboard tube so that only the nail head is visible from the outside.

2. Cover the tube with the large sheet of paper and tape securely.

3. Decorate the tube however you like. Be creative; you can use paint, markers, crayons, stickers, glue, and other supplies to make your rain stick unique.

4. Cover one end of the tube with your fabric and secure it with an elastic band.

5. Fill the tube with about 2 cups of dried rice or beans.

6. Cover the remaining end of the tube with the other piece of fabric and secure it with the other elastic band.

7. Now try slowly turning your rain stick from horizontal to vertical to make the sound of rain!