How to Make Rain Makers

Rain makers are used in hopes of bringing rain to crops or livestock.

Rain makers, or rainsticks, are traditionally used to call the rain gods so they will bring rain to an area. In the desert Southwest, these sticks are made of Saguaro ribs and filled with the needles from the cactus. However, you do not need to have access to these materials to make a rain maker. They can also be made with supplies from craft and hobby stores and be completed in less than a day. Rain makers can be made in many sizes, as well as for various skill levels.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard mailing tube with end caps
• Marker
• Nails
• Hammer
• Rice or dried beans, or a mixture of both
• Duct tape

Instructions

1. Use the marker to draw a spiral line around the mailing tube from one end to the other. Do not follow the natural seam of the tube, as this is the weakest area of the tube. Either put your spiral between the seams or go opposite the natural seam.

2. Insert a nail with a hammer every half an inch along the drawn spiral. Use nails a 1/4-inch shorter than the diameter of the tube. For example, if using a tube with a 3-inch diameter, you need to use nails that are 2 3/4 inches in length.

3. Remove one of the end caps. Pour some rice or dried beans into the tube. Start with about a half of a cup. Replace the end cap and turn the rain maker over. Listen to the sound. If you want the sound louder or to last longer, add more rice or beans.

4. Duct tape the ends of the rain maker and cover the nail heads with the duct tape. This keeps the ends from coming off and the nails from coming out. The rain maker is now ready for use.

Tips & Warnings

• Once finished, the rain maker can also be decorated. Use paints, markers, glue and paper, whatever strikes your fancy.

• Rain makers also can be made of paper towel tubes or PVC piping.

• Supervise children while making this project.

References

• Enchanted Learning: Rainstick
• Guidezone: Rain Makers