How to Make Newspaper Maracas
Make maracas from newspaper to create a project that provides hours of fun creating and playing these instruments. Make paper mache with newspaper to create sturdy maracas that can even withstand the play of younger children. The process can get a little messy, but that element can contribute to the fun for kids. They may even enjoy creating the mess as much as using the maracas.
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Things You'll Need
- Newspaper cut or torn into 2-inch strips
- Balloon
- Dried beans or rice
- Flour
- Warm water
- White glue (optional)
- Wood dowel or stick
- Masking tape
- Craft paints
- Paintbrushes
Instructions
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1
Mix 2 parts warm water with one part flour and blend until thick and creamy. The standard amount is 2 cups warm water to 1 cup flour. Adjust amounts for larger batches. Replace the flour in the recipe with white glue for a harder finish and shift the mix to 1-part glue, 1-part water.
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2
Blow the balloon up to a diameter of 4 inches across and tie off.
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3
Dip the newspaper strips into the flour and water paste. Run two fingers side by side down each piece to wipe off excess paste.
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4
Lay the newspaper strips over the balloon in a crisscross or overlapping pattern. Cover the balloon entirely except for the small area around the tail, which you should leave exposed. Add layers - at least two or three - to make the maracas sturdy. Allow to dry.
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5
Snip off the end of the balloon when the maraca is dry. Pull it gently out of the hole to remove it. Make a small paper cone and fit into the maraca opening. Add 1/4 cup of dried beans or rice per maraca.
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6
Place a piece of dowel or stick about 6 inches long at the opening of the maraca and tape in place with the masking tape. If the stick fits loosely, wrap newspaper around the end until it is snug.
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7
Cover the stick with two layers of paper mache. Add another layer on the maraca if it still feels flexible. Allow to dry completely, at least 24 hours.
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8
Paint the maracas with craft paint. Keep in mind the water in the paint will be absorbed into the maraca and may make it pliable again so handle with care. When they are painted, allow to dry again for another 24 hours.
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