How to Make a Rainstick

Rainsticks are originally from Chile and are used in ceremonial dances to call the rain down. Now you can make your own, but I doubt it will bring any rain.

Have you been to a museum of natural history, or even been to many toy stores and seen the toys referred to as rainsticks, and always wanted one of your own, or to make one of your own. You may have even seen a drummer use a rain stick to keep time with the music, and make a great waterfall or rain fall sound effect. Even if you have wanted to know the history of rainsticks, this article can help.

Rainsticks (or rain sticks to some), are used in many cultures, but especially Chile and Peru according to Wikipedia. They are traditionally made by taking cactus that has dried in the sun, carefully removing the thorns or spines from the dried cactus, and shoving them back into the cactus, so the flat end is on the outside of the cactus. Because they are hollow, one side is sealed, and small pebbles, or dried bones that are not useful for other crafts.

The other side is then sealed, and the dancer has a powerful tool in their hand to bring down the rain.

Now you can make your own.

Gather your supplies. You will need a cardboard tube, toothpicks or tack nails, a hot glue gun and glue sticks, paint or markers, and cardboard. You will also need to go outside and collect tiny pebbles, or use dried instant rice which will work just as well. Make sure that the tools you are using are age appropriate, and make very sure that you have your parents supervision if you are using anything that may be dangerous.

Use cardboard to cover up one end of the paper town tube, and use hot glue to secure it. Trim around the edges so that your cap is flush with the tube. Decorate your tube with markers, paints, or glitter in any fashion you want - though storm clouds and rain is appropriate. Push the tack nails or toothpicks through the cardboard tube, and use hot glue to set them into place. Allow the glue to fully dry before you go on. Add your rice or pebbles to your rainstick, and glue the other piece of cardboard on to seal your rainstick shut. Allow it to dry fully, and create your own rain dance. Though it may be funny, do not save the used paper towels to clean up the rain you may call.