How to Make Gourd Rain Sticks

Dry beans can be used inside the rain stick to create the sound of rain.

With historical roots in South American native rain ceremonies, rain sticks are popular throughout the world. Rain sticks are made from natural materials and the shells of a rain sticks can be made from cacti, bamboo or gourds. Played by rotating the instrument back and forth, rain sticks create a soothing, atmospheric effect that reflects the sound of rainfall.

Things You'll Need

• Dried gourd
• Bleach
• Copper or stainless steel scrubber
• Hacksaw
• Pumpkin scraper
• String
• Tape
• Drill
• Skewers
• Craft glue
• Wire cutters
• 180- to 220-grit sandpaper
• Pebbles, dry beans and/or dry rice
• Lightweight leather
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Soak the gourd in a solution of one part bleach and 10 parts water for three hours to loosen the peel.

2. Sand the peel away, using a copper or stainless steel scrubber.

3. Use a hacksaw to cut off the top quarter of the gourd. Set aside the top for later reattachment.

4. Remove the contents from inside the gourd, using a pumpkin scraper.

5. Tape one end of a string to one end of the gourd. Wrap the string around the gourd so it creates a natural spiral from one end to the other. Tape the other end of the string to secure it in place.

6. Use the string as a guideline for drilling a spiraling line of holes up and down the gourd. Make the holes about 1.5 inches apart.

7. Remove the string and tape.

8. Stick skewers through the holes. For each skewer, put a dab of craft glue on an end and insert it through opposing holes so the tips stick out of the gourd like cactus spikes. Add a bit more glue around the holes. Allow the glue to dry for at least four hours.

9. Use wire cutters to clip all skewer tips at the gourd's surface. Use the 180- to 220-grit sandpaper to smooth any remaining protuberances.

10. Fill the gourd with small pebbles, dry beans, dry rice or a combination of materials. Start with two to three handfuls. Cover the opening with your hand and test the sound. Add more material and keep testing until you're happy with the sound.

11. Reconnect the top of the gourd. Glue around the both edges of the gourd and attach. Cut a strip of lightweight leather to a length that matches the circumference of gourd where it was cut. Paint one side of the leather with glue. Wrap the strip tightly around the seam and press it into place. Allow the glue to dry for at least four hours.

12. Use acrylic paints to paint your gourd.

Tips & Warnings

• For drilling the holes, use a drill bit the same diameter as the skewers.

References

• Kasin Hunter: Tutorial for a Gourd Rainstick