Rain sticks are a fun and creative way to bring the soothing sound of rain into your home. They make for a fantastic DIY craft project that is not only enjoyable but also allows you to explore different sounds using simple household materials.
In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to create a rain stick that actually sounds like rain!
Materials You’ll Need:
- Cardboard tube (a paper towel roll or two toilet paper rolls taped together)
- Aluminum foil
- Masking tape (or any tape, but masking tape works best)
- Glue or glue stick
- Pencil
- Scissors
- A chopstick or dowel
- Ruler
- Markers, crayons, or paint (for decoration)
- Rice, popcorn kernels, pebbles, or beads (for the rain sound)
- Yarn or embroidery floss (optional, for added texture)
Step 1: Prepare the Cardboard Tube
If you don’t have a paper towel roll, you can tape two toilet paper rolls together. Secure the ends well with tape so they form a solid tube.
Step 2: Create the Sound Mechanism
Take a piece of aluminum foil, about 18 inches long.
Wrap the foil around a chopstick or dowel to create a spiral shape.
Carefully stretch out the foil coil so it is slightly longer than the cardboard tube.
Slide the foil coil inside the tube—this will act as an obstacle for the falling seeds, creating the rain-like sound.
Step 3: Seal One End
Use masking tape to cover one end of the tube.
Crisscross smaller pieces of tape to ensure all holes are covered.
Wrap another piece of tape around the edge for extra security.
Step 4: Add the Filler
Now, it’s time to add what will create the rain sound!
Choose your filler: rice, popcorn kernels, pebbles, or beads.
Pour about half a cup into the tube.
Test the sound—if you want a heavier rain effect, add a bit more.
Step 5: Seal the Other End
Repeat the same taping process you used in Step 3 to seal the open end.
Step 6: Decorate Your Rain Stick
Now comes the fun part—decorating!
Cut a piece of printer paper to wrap around the tube.
Decorate it using markers, crayons, or paint. Be creative with patterns and colors!
Once decorated, use glue or a glue stick to attach the paper to the tube.
For extra flair, wrap some yarn or embroidery floss around the stick and tie it in place.
Bonus Tip: Make a Longer Rain Stick
Want a longer-lasting rain sound? Tape two paper towel rolls together before starting, and use extra-long foil and a larger amount of filler for a deeper, more sustained effect.
Final Touch: Test It Out!
Now that your rain stick is complete, give it a gentle tilt back and forth to hear the calming sound of rain. Try experimenting with different fillers to achieve varying sounds.
Enjoy your homemade rain stick, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!
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