Make A Festive Maraca

Maracas are a festive way to celebrate occasions like Cinco de Mayo or even to just make for fun and play. Usually in a pair, their rhythmic sound are sure to be a hit with your child. I found this craft in a book awhile back and finally got the chance to make it with my son (sorry, I don't remember the name of the book). The book said to use an empty salad dressing container, but any plastic bottle would work as long as there is enough of a neck to create a handle. I brought out green, red, yellow, and orange tissue paper and had my son help me tear them to smaller pieces. Next, I made a homemade mod podge by mixing white school glue with water until it became a paint-like consistency. Then I painted one side of the bottle (of course older children can do this part themselves). I had my son place pieces of tissue paper on top of the glue.

Oops! He wanted the whole pile on at once

As he placed the tissue paper on, I painted the glue over the top of the pieces. Repeat for the rest of the bottle. Set aside to dry.

After it has finished drying, have your child place dried beans inside. Use a strong glue to seal the lid shut and let dry completely.

The finished maraca.

Now your ready to celebrate!