How to Make A Tropical Rain Stick

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By FrazzledNanny
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Tropical rain sticks are traditionally made from cactus or bamboo but you can make one at home from a heavy cardboard mailing tube and other common household items. This will make a fun science project or a cool craft project.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Heavy Cardboard Mailing Tube
2 Plastic Caps or Duct Tape To Seal The Tube
Nails
Hammer
Seeds, Small Pebbles, Rice or Dried Beans
Adhesive-backed Shelf Paper, Wrapping Paper or Ribbon

Step 1

Making a Tropical Rain Stick is a great way to teach children about making music out of their surroundings.
Step 2

Hammer nails into the mailing tube 1/8-inch apart, using the spiral seam of the cardboard tube as a guide.
Step 3

Add several handfuls of assorted filler material (rice, seeds, beans, pebbles, etc.)
Step 4

Seal each end of the tube securely with plastic caps or duct tape.
Step 5

Decorate your Tropical Rain Stick with ribbon, stickers, Scratch and Sniff Watercolor paint (directions are in the resource section), wrapping paper, adhesive-backed shelf paper or with whatever you like (make it yours).
Step 6

Once the Rain Stick is dry (if you use paint or glue), it's time to shake it and twist it to create a wide variety of different sounds. Your children will love making music with their new Rain Stick.