Things You'll Need:
- Paper towel tube
- Rice or beads
- Paper
- Scissors
- Fabric
- Sewing machine
- Needle and thread
- Double-stick tape or spray adhesive
- Foam stamps
- Fabric paint
- Embellishments
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Step 1
Select swatches of fabric to cover the cardboard tube. Look for a variety of colors and textures or stick to a solid shade that resembles the natural wood of authentic rain sticks. Quilted fabrics will make the instrument more fun to hold, but may also muffle the sound of the rice or beads (see Resources below).
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Step 2
Measure and cut the fabric to cover the rain stick. Make the pieces about a 1/2-inch longer on each side so you can fold them over to prevent fraying. Decide if you'd like to use a single piece, multiple strips or squares for a patchwork look.
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Step 3
Create attractive looks by sewing the pieces together, adding embroidered designs or small iron-on patches before affixing the fabric to the stick. You can also add stamped designs with foam stamps and fabric paint or hand-drawn designs with fabric paint pens.
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Step 4
Adhere the fabric to the rain stick, remembering to fold the edges over before applying the adhesive. Use double-stick tape or spray adhesive. Liquid glues may seep through the fabric or cause it to stiffen.
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Step 5
Embellish the rain stick with other items like ribbon or torn fabric ties, small silk flowers, feathers, buttons or beads.
