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Make a Rainstick Craft Activity for Kids

5/13/14 - By Anna Fader

Rainsticks are said to have been invented by the Aztecs by drying out cacti and pushing the needles in. We make these musical rainsticks with paper towel tubes and nails. Super easy to make and then decorate and shake for the soothing sound of rain. 

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1. If you have a wrapping paper tube you can make a big rainstick, but a paper towel tube works just fine. Push 1" nails or toothpicks into the tube. The more nails, the more tinkley your rain will be. For the wrapping paper tube you might have to use a hammer to get the nails through the thicker cardboard.

2. Cover one end of tube with a square of fabric or 4 layers of tissue paper and wrap with tape to attach. Put two or three handfuls of dried beans, rice or popcorn and then seal the other end of the tube in the same way. 

3. You can decorate your rainstick however you like using bits of fabric, paint or markers, feathers or  collage. We used  some animal print fur which we glued and then tied with raffia, adding a few beads to the ends. 

Show us what you make. Share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and tag @mommypoppins so we can see your creations too!

Find more fun things to do in Boredom Busters Activities Guide.