How to Make a Rain Stick With Paper Towel Roll? 8 Steps!
To make a rain stick with a paper towel roll, you’ll need a paper towel roll, aluminum foil, uncooked rice or small beads, tape or glue, and decorative materials.
A rain stick is a musical instrument that mimics the sound of rain when tilted.
Traditionally made from hollow cacti, they can be easily and affordably recreated using a paper towel roll and some basic craft materials. This simple DIY project is perfect for kids and can be customized with various decorations.
To create your own rain stick, first, seal one end of the paper towel roll with tape or glue. Next, cut a long strip of aluminum foil, scrunch it into a loose coil, and insert it into the roll to create a snaking pathway for the rice or beads.
Pour in your chosen filler, ensuring there’s enough to create a pleasant sound when the rain stick is tilted.
Finally, seal the open end of the roll and decorate as desired, using materials like paint, stickers, or colorful tape. Enjoy the soothing sound of your homemade rain stick!
8 Easy Steps for Making a Rain Stick with a Paper Towel Roll
| Step | Materials | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paper towel roll | Take an empty paper towel roll and clean it from any residue. |
| 2 | Aluminum foil | Cut a piece of aluminum foil that is about twice as long as the paper towel roll. |
| 3 | Scrunch the aluminum foil into a long, thin snake-like shape. | |
| 4 | Coil the aluminum foil snake inside the paper towel roll, making sure it covers the entire length. | |
| 5 | Rice, beans, or small pebbles | Fill the paper towel roll with about 1/4 cup of rice, beans, or small pebbles. |
| 6 | Tape or rubber bands | Seal both ends of the paper towel roll with tape or rubber bands to prevent the contents from spilling out. |
| 7 | Decorative materials (optional) | Decorate the exterior of the rain stick with paint, colored paper, stickers, or other materials to make it visually appealing. |
| 8 | Slowly rotate and tilt the rain stick to create the sound of falling rain. Enjoy your homemade rain stick! |
Key Takeaway
Five Facts About Rain Stick with a Paper Towel Roll
Why Make A Rain Stick With Paper Towel Roll?
Have you ever found yourself stuck indoors on a rainy day, wishing for a way to bring the calming pitter-patter of a gentle shower indoors?
Well, now you can capture that sound and bring it into your home with a diy rain stick! But why choose to make a rain stick with a paper towel roll over other materials?
Let’s explore the benefits.
Benefits Of Making A Rain Stick With A Paper Towel Roll Instead Of Using Other Materials
- Easy to find: Paper towel rolls are readily available in most households, making it a convenient material to use for crafting.
- Economical: It is inexpensive compared to purchasing ready-made rain sticks, and it’s a great way to recycle a paper towel roll.
- Customizable: You can decorate the paper towel roll with whatever materials you have on hand, allowing you to create a personalized rain stick that fits your style and aesthetic preferences.
- Simple construction: The paper towel roll design does not require extensive construction skills, making it an ideal project for beginners and children to enjoy.
Now that you know why a paper towel roll is an excellent material to use for a rain stick, let’s dive into the steps to make your own.
Introduction To The Step-By-Step Guide
To make your homemade rain stick, you’ll need only a few materials, including a paper towel roll, beads, rice, and aluminum foil.
Follow these straightforward steps to create a rain stick that will bring the soothing sounds of rain into your home.
- Prepare the paper towel roll by cutting two pieces of aluminum foil large enough to cover each end of the roll.
- Place one piece of foil over one end of the paper towel roll, using tape to secure it in place.
- Pour some rice into the roll. The amount you use will depend on the desired sound and size of the rain stick.
- Continue to add rice until you’re happy with the amount. Make sure to leave a little bit of room at the top of the roll.
- Add some beads to the roll, which will create the soothing sound of raindrops.
- Seal the open end of the roll with the second piece of aluminum foil and tape.
- Decorate the outside of the paper towel roll to give it a more personalized touch.
Now that you have successfully created your own rain stick, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the calming sound of rain.
Making a rain stick with a paper towel roll is an easy and enjoyable project that can be completed in no time. So, next time it rains outside, you can have your own little storm inside!
Supplies Needed
If you’re looking for a fun and creative activity with your kids or just a unique decor piece for your home, making a rain stick with a paper towel roll is a great option.
This project is easy to make, and you only need a few supplies. In this section, we will discuss in detail the supplies required to make a rain stick with a paper towel roll.
Let’s get started.
Detailed List Of Materials Required To Make A Rain Stick With A Paper Towel Roll
To make a rain stick with a paper towel roll, you will need the following materials:
- One paper towel roll
- Scissors
- Paint or markers
- Rice, beans, or small pebbles
- Aluminum foil
- Tape
- Decorative materials (optional)
Explanation Of Where To Find The Supplies And Any Alternatives
Most of the supplies required can be found at your local craft or office supply store, or even at a dollar store. However, if you can’t find them at a physical store, you can always order them online at retailers such as amazon.
If you don’t have a paper towel roll, a toilet paper roll can also work. The decorative materials are optional, and you can use any materials that you have on hand, such as stickers, rhinestones, or beads.
Additionally, instead of using rice or beans, you can use other small items such as small pebbles or beads to create the sound of rain falling through the stick.
Now that you know what supplies you need and where to find them, you’re ready to start making your rain stick with a paper towel roll.
Step 1: Preparing The Paper Towel Roll
How To Prepare The Paper Towel Roll Before Beginning The Project
Before we dive into the exciting project of making a rain stick with a paper towel roll, let’s discuss a few essential tips to prepare the paper towel roll correctly.
- First things first, take a paper towel roll and cut it to your desired length.
- Make sure to remove any remaining paper towels from the roll to have a clean and tidy surface to work with.
- Once you have a paper towel roll, the next step is to cover it with colored paper, paint, or fabric to make it more visually appealing.
- You can use glue to attach the paper or fabric to the roll, ensuring that it is smooth and wrinkle-free.
- Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding with the next step.
Now that we’ve prepared the paper towel roll, let’s move onto the fun part of creating a diy rain stick. By preparing the paper towel roll with the tips mentioned above, you will have a sturdy base to work with and a beautiful canvas to showcase your creativity.
Get ready for a fun and engaging project that will keep you entertained for hours!
Step 2: Adding The Fillings
Guide On Selecting Fillers For The Rain Stick
When it comes to selecting fillers for your rain stick, you have endless options. With a little creativity, you can use almost any small item to fill the hollow paper towel roll.
However, there are some key factors to consider when selecting the fillers to maximize the sound of the rain stick:
- Size: Choose fillers of different sizes to create a variety of sound. Small fillers will create a softer sound, while larger fillers will create a louder sound.
- Shape: Items with irregular shapes or textures will create a more unique and interesting sound.
- Material: The material of the filler can also affect the sound of the rain stick. Try using a mix of materials such as rice, beans, beads, or small stones to create a fuller and richer sound.
How To Add The Fillers In A Way That Maximizes The Sound
To get the best sound from your rain stick, it’s essential to add the fillers properly.
Follow these steps to ensure the fillers are distributed evenly and the sound is maximized:
- Hold the paper towel roll vertically and begin adding the fillers through the open end.
- Add a small amount of fillers at a time, shaking the tube gently to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Continue adding fillers until the tube is about half full. It’s important not to overfill the tube as this can dampen the sound.
- Once the fillers are added, cover the open end of the tube with a piece of cardboard or paper.
- Seal the cover securely with masking tape, ensuring there are no gaps or holes.
- Turn the tube vertically and test the sound by gently tipping it back and forth.
- Adjust the fillers as necessary to achieve the desired sound.
By following these steps and experimenting with different fillers, you can create a rain stick with a unique and beautiful sound.
Step 3: Sealing The Rain Stick
Detailed Steps To Seal The Rain Stick To Ensure That It Functions Well
After you have added the filler materials to your rain stick, it is time to seal it for maximum effect.
Here is how to do it:
- Take a piece of thin fabric or paper and place it over one end of the paper towel roll. Ensure that the fabric/paper is large enough to cover the opening completely.
- Secure the fabric or paper tightly over the opening using a rubber band or tape.
- Turn the paper towel roll upside down and test if the fillers make a proper sound when falling inside the roll. If the sound is too weak or there is no sound coming out, you need to adjust the fillers before proceeding to the next step.
- Once you are satisfied with the sound, cover the other end of the roll with the same fabric or paper material and seal it tightly with rubber bands or tape.
- Decorate the outside of the rain stick according to your preference with paint, markers, or other materials.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your rain stick functions correctly and creates the perfect rain sound effect.
Overview Of Different Materials That Can Be Used To Seal The Rain Stick
There are several types of materials you can use to seal your rain stick effectively.
Here are some choices:
- Fabric: Thin fabrics like cotton or muslin work well and can be secured over the opening with rubber bands.
- Tape: Masking tape or duct tape can be wrapped tightly around the fabric or paper covering the ends.
- Glue: A liquid glue like elmer’s can be used to glue the fabric or paper covering the ends in place.
- Rubber bands: Rubber bands can be used with fabric or paper to secure the ends and ensure a tight seal.
No matter what material you choose, the key is to make sure that the covering is secured tightly over the opening to prevent the fillers from falling out.
With these materials, you can seal your rain stick effectively and enjoy the soothing sound of rain anytime you want.
Step 4: Decorating The Rain Stick
Making your own rain stick with a paper towel roll is a great way to get creative and have fun while also enjoying the soothing sound of rain.
Once you have assembled your rain stick and added the filling, the next step is to decorate it to make it look visually appealing.
Here are some optional suggestions for decorating your rain stick once it is complete.
Optional Suggestions For Decorating The Rain Stick
Use Colorful Tape Or Paint
One way to add some visual interest to your rain stick is to use colorful tape or paint to decorate the outside. You can use masking tape, washi tape, or duct tape to create stripes, shapes, or other designs.
Alternatively, you can paint your rain stick using acrylic or tempera paints. Just be sure to let the paint dry completely before playing with your rain stick.
Add Beads, Sequins, Or Feathers
Another way to make your rain stick stand out is to add some embellishments to the outside. You can use beads, sequins, or feathers to create a decorative effect.
You can glue these decorations onto the outside of your rain stick using craft glue or a hot glue gun. Be sure to let the glue dry completely before handling the rain stick.
Wrap It In Yarn Or String
A third option for decorating your rain stick is to wrap it in yarn or string. You can use colorful yarn, twine, or embroidery floss to create a wrapped effect around the outside of your rain stick.
This will not only add some visual interest but also make it easier to hold your rain stick securely while playing it.
Tips And Tricks To Make The Rain Stick Look Visually Appealing
Choose Colors That Complement Each Other
When choosing colors for your rain stick, it’s a good idea to choose colors that complement each other. This will help to create a cohesive look and make your rain stick look more polished. You can use a color wheel to help you determine which colors go well together.
Keep It Simple
While it can be tempting to go all out with decorations, sometimes less is more. Keeping your rain stick decoration simple and streamlined can make it look more elegant and sophisticated, and will allow the sound of the rain to be the main focus.
Experiment With Different Textures
Adding different textures to your rain stick can create a tactile experience as well as a visual one. You can try wrapping your rain stick in different types of ribbons or adding textured embellishments like pom poms or felt shapes.
By following these tips and suggestions, you can create a rain stick that not only sounds great but looks great too. Whether you choose to add some color, embellishments, or different textures, your rain stick is sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike.
FAQ On Rain Stick With Paper Towel Roll
What Is A Rain Stick?
A rain stick is a percussion instrument that imitates the sound of rainfall.
How Do I Make A Rain Stick With A Paper Towel Roll?
To make a rain stick with a paper towel roll, you will need the roll, some rice, aluminum foil, tape, and decorations.
What Is The Purpose Of Putting Rice In A Rain Stick?
The rice is used to create the sound of rain falling when the stick is turned upside down.
Can I Use Other Materials Besides A Paper Towel Roll?
Yes, you can use other materials such as pvc pipes or cardboard tubes to make a rain stick.
Conclusion
To sum up, making a rain stick with a paper towel roll is a simple and fun craft that can be done by anyone. It requires very little materials and can be a great way to entertain kids or simply unwind after a long day.
The key to a successful rain stick is to keep the filling varied in texture and to experiment with different materials to create the desired sound. Whether you opt for beans, rice, or sand, the end result is sure to be a unique and delightful addition to your home decor or music collection.
So next time you find yourself indoors on a gloomy day, try making your own rain stick and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature from the comfort of your own home.
