DIY: How to Make Your Own Rain Sticks

Have you ever wondered how rain sticks are made? Rain sticks are musical instruments that have origins in South American countries. These instruments are made with various materials such as bamboo, PVC pipes, and cardboard tubes. They are filled with small objects like rice, beans, or beads and produce a sound similar to that of falling rain when shaken. In this article, we will explore how to make rain sticks using inexpensive and readily available materials.

Whether you are looking for a fun craft activity to do with kids or want to add some rhythm and sound to your music collection, making rain sticks is an easy and enjoyable process. You can create unique and personalized rain sticks in different sizes and shapes to suit your preferences. In just a few steps, you can have your own homemade rain stick that will make a calming and soothing sound when played. So, let’s get started and make some rain sticks!

Materials:

Making a rain stick is easy and requires only a few basic materials that are easy to come by. Here are some materials you’ll need to get started:

1. Cardboard tube:

The first thing you’ll need is a cardboard tube. A long tube is better as it will help create a great sound. You can use an old wrapping paper tube, paper towel tube, or a mailing tube. You can also find thick-walled tubes at craft stores.

2. Nails:

You’ll need some nails to create the rain-like sound inside your stick. These can be any size, as long as they’re long enough to go through the cardboard tube.

3. Rice or Beads:

For the inside of the rain stick, you’ll need something to create the sound of rain. Rice and beads are popular choices. You can use any small, hard item that will make noise when shaken around.

4. Foil:

To keep the rice or beads from falling out, you’ll need some foil. Cut a piece of foil that will cover one end of the tube and wrap it over the end.

5. Tape:

You’ll need tape to secure the foil over the end of the tube and to help keep the nails in place.

6. Paint:

To make your rain stick look more appealing, you can paint it. Any type of paint will work, but tempera and acrylic are good for cardboard.

7. Brushes:

You’ll need brushes to apply the paint. Foam brushes work well for rough surfaces like cardboard.

8. Decorations:

You can also add decorative touches to your rain stick, such as feathers, beads, or glitter.

9. Scissors:

Scissors will come in handy when cutting foil and trimming the tube.

10. Newspapers:

You’ll need newspapers or other protective coverings to prevent from getting paint everywhere and to use for clean up.

Now that you know the basic materials, let’s move on to the next step of the process.

Materials Needed to Make a Rain Stick

Making a rainstick is a craft that requires only a few materials which are easy to acquire. You may have some of these items already around the house. Keep in mind; however, that you can always get creative and use other materials that you think might work well.

1. Empty Cardboard Tubes

The base of your rainstick will most likely be a cardboard tube; this can come from empty paper towel rolls or postal tubes. Using a longer tube will give your rainstick more length, which will give it a more satisfying sound.

2. Dried Beans, Grains or Rice

The filling of the tube is what will create the soothing sound of falling rain. Choose dried beans, grains or rice that are small enough to fit through the tube, but large enough to make a pleasing sound.

3. Decorative Items

Adding some decorative items such as beads, feathers or yarn can add a personal touch to your rainstick. They can be wrapped around the tube or glued on the outside, adding a visual element to your creation.

4. Cardboard Sheets

Cardboard sheets will come in handy when creating the end caps that will cover the rainstick. They should be big enough to cover the end of the tube.

5. Glue

You need to use a glue that is strong and can hold the rainstick together. You can choose between hot glue, white glue or any other strong glue that you are comfortable working with.

6. Paints and Brushes

Depending on how you want your rainstick to look, you may want to use some paint. A rainbow of colors can be used to paint the tube and end caps. Brushes will help you to paint the rainstick with ease.

7. Scissors

Scissors are useful for cutting off any excess cardboard and shaping the end caps.

8. A Small Funnel

You will need to use a funnel to properly pour the rice, beans or grains into the tube. A small plastic funnel works best.

9. A Pen or Pencil

A pen or pencil will help you to poke holes into the cardboard tube. These holes will be used to funnel your filling into the tube.

10. Sandpaper

Sandpaper is used to help rough up the inside of the tube, which will increase the sound effects of the rainstick.

Materials Needed to Make Rain Sticks

Making rain sticks is a fun and creative project that requires just a handful of materials, many of which you may already have at home. Here are the essential materials you will need to get started:

Choosing the Right Cardboard Tube

The length and thickness of the cardboard tube will determine the sound that your rain stick produces. Shorter tubes will create a gentler rain sound, while longer tubes will make a stronger and louder sound. A thicker tube will produce a deeper sound, while a thinner tube will make a lighter sound.

If you want to create a rain stick that is easy to handle and play, choose a cardboard tube that is around two feet long and two inches in diameter. You can adjust the length and thickness of the tube based on your preference and the materials you have available.

Gathering the Sound-Making Materials

The sound of falling rain is made by small, lightweight objects bouncing off the nails or tacks inside the tube. You can use a variety of materials to create this sound, including dried beans, seeds, and rice. Try experimenting with different materials to find the sound you like best.

Another way to vary the sound of your rain stick is by adding beads, pebbles or other small objects to the inside of the tube. These will create a different sound when they fall against the nails or tacks.

Decorating Your Rain Stick

Once you’ve assembled the rain stick, you can decorate it however you like. Paints, markers, and stickers are great options for decorating the outside of the rain stick. You can also wrap the tube in colorful ribbon or fabric for a more unique look.

If you want to add a handle to your rain stick, you can use a piece of ribbon or twine to tie around one end of the tube. This will make it easier to hold and play.

Putting It All Together

To make the rain stick, start by inserting the nails or tacks into the cardboard tube. Space them out evenly and make sure they are all the same distance from the top of the tube.

Next, add the dried beans, seeds, or rice to the inside of the tube. You can experiment with different amounts to find the sound you like best.

If you want to add beads or other small objects to the rain stick, do so now. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the tube.

Finally, seal the ends of the tube with tape or glue. You can also decorate the outside of the tube at this time, if desired.

Your rain stick is now ready to play! Simply turn it upside down and listen to the sound of falling rain.

Thanks for creating your own rain stick with me!

I hope you had as much fun making your rain stick as I did guiding you through the process. Rain sticks are such a simple yet impressive instrument, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy using yours for years to come. Remember, there are always new crafting adventures waiting for you, so visit again soon for more fun DIY ideas. Thanks for reading!