Arts & Crafts

The first known maracas are believed to belong to the Tainos, native Indians of Puerto Rico. Today, they remain an important part of Latin and South American ensembles. Follow the steps to create your own maraca at home!

You'll need:

• 2 8 ounce water bottles

• 2 toilet paper rolls

• Electrical tape (colorful, if possible)

• Filling for your maracas (may use sand, salt, pebbles, birdseed, rice, beans, beads, paperclips, etc.)

After you gather your materials, make sure your water bottles are clean and dried out. Then, fill your water bottle with your choice of filling and replace the cap on the bottle. Shake the water bottle to make sure you like the sound and pitch. The next step is to create the handle. Take your two toilet paper rolls and make a straight cut from one end to the other. Tighten the roll in on itself to about the size of a 3/4 inch dowel and then apply your electrical tape. Start wrapping the tape around the bottom part of the rattle on the bottle and move down onto the new handle. Wrap slowly, covering all the cardboard of the toilet paper roll and you will have created a rather sturdy handle for your new instrument.

Now you are ready to play.