How to Make a Music Shaker

Making these cool little noisemakers is as much fun as using them. Kids 3-years old and older will enjoy this afternoon project.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Buttons
• Wiggly Eyes
• Elmer's Glue-All
• Acrylic Paints
• Aquarium Gravel
• Craft Foams
• Craft Pompoms
• Baby Food Jars
• Beans
• Popcorn
• Rice
• Cups With Lids
• Glass Storage Jars
• Pipe Cleaners
• Empty Film Canisters
• BBs

1. Find a container that can be sealed - bottles, margarine tubs, jars, film canisters - anything with a lid.
2. Use small, hard objects such as beans, unpopped popcorn, rice, aquarium gravel or pebbles. Put some in the container.
3. Put the lid on.
4. Shake! Adjust the sound by adding or removing some of the contents.
5. Glue on the lid if it sounds good.
6. Decorate the container with paints, felt, craft foam, buttons, wiggly eyes or other fun items.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a broom or vacuum handy for spills.
• Film canisters - you can get them from a photo processor for next to nothing - are ideal for small hands and make a little less noise.
• Keep an eye on little ones who might be inclined to put the filler in their mouths.