A rainstick is an ancient instrument used by indigenous people of South America to imitate the sound of falling rain. It is made using a hollow cylindrical tube, which is filled with small pebbles, and sealed at both ends with a cork. By turning the rainstick upside down and shaking it, the pebbles create a sound of falling rain. Making a rainstick is a great DIY activity for both kids and adults alike, as it not only produces a soothing sound but also creates a beautiful décor piece for your home.
Tools and Materials Needed
To make your own rainstick, you will need the following materials: a hollow cylindrical tube (such as a cardboard tube, or a long piece of PVC pipe), several small pebbles or beads, a cork, some glue, and some paint or decoration (optional).
Steps to Making a Rainstick
1. Start by deciding which type of tube you would like to use for your rainstick. If you want a longer, deeper sound, use a longer tube; if you want a shorter, lighter sound, use a shorter tube.
2. Fill the tube with small pebbles or beads. The pebbles should be small enough to fit in the tube, but large enough to make a sound when they move around.
3. Once the tube is filled, plug the ends with a cork. Make sure the cork is tightly sealed so that the pebbles don’t escape.
4. Glue the cork in place to ensure that it won’t come loose.
5. If desired, paint or decorate the outside of the tube for a finished look.
6. Once the glue has dried, your rainstick is ready to use. To play the rainstick, turn it upside down and gently shake it. The pebbles inside will create a soothing sound of falling rain.
Tips and Tricks
If you want to customize the sound of your rainstick, you can experiment with different types of pebbles or beads. Heavier pebbles will create a deeper sound, while lighter pebbles will create a higher pitched sound.
You can also experiment with the size of the tube. A larger tube will create a deeper sound, while a smaller tube will create a higher pitched sound.
Conclusion
Making a rainstick is a fun and easy DIY activity that produces a beautiful and calming sound. With just a few simple materials and some creativity, you can create your own unique rainstick that can be used as a décor piece in your home or as a musical instrument.