Maracas are more than noisemakers. They are musical instruments. Place a pair of maracas in the hands of a child, especially a pair he’s made, and you’ve got creativity at its best. Whether you are looking for a craft to do on the weekend or during summer break, your kids will love this easy and messy craft. Here’s how to make Paper Mache maracas. You’ll need a few supplies first.
Here is your supply list:
2 oval shaped balloons per child
newspaper (cut into 1 inch squares)
Elmers Glue
warm water
stick for stirring
medium sized plastic pail to throw away after (plastic ice cream bucket)
scissors
work space
plastic table cloth
craft paint
paintbrushes
uncooked rice
2 wooden dowels at least 6 inches long and 1 inch thick
It’s so easy to make Paper Mache maracas. First, blow the balloons without tying them off. Blow them to the size of an adults hand, maybe a little larger. That’s the traditional size of a maraca. But really you could use any size or shape. Add one tablespoon of uncooked rice (per balloon) then tie the balloon off with a knot. You’ll need two of these balloons for each child.
Next it is time to mix the Paper Mache. Cover your workspace with a plastic tablecloth. Dried Elmer’s Glue is no fun scraping off your table. Mix the Elmer’s Glue half and half with warm water stirring gently with a throw away spoon. Then add the newspaper. You’ll need lots to make paper mache maracas.
Start covering the balloon with the newspaper after it has soaked in the Paper Mache for a few minutes. You should make two layers of Paper Mache on your maracas. This will give some strength to your instruments. You’ll have to work on one side. Let it dry. Then work on the other. This is one craft you’ll have to keep coming back to! Let your maracas dry in between each layer of Paper Mache. If you don’t let it dry your instrument might collapse.
After the first layer is dry cut a small 1 1/2 circle at the end of each Paper Mache balloon. Insert the wooden dowel. Using small strips of duct tape secure the Paper Mache maracas to the wooden dowel. (Don’t lose your rice, or add more!) Then add your second coat of Paper Mache to the entire maracas (except the wooden part).
After your second coat of Paper Mache is applied let it dry overnight. When your maracas are dried get your paint together. Color those maracas with bright blues, reds, yellows and greens. Colorful maracas are fun to play with and beautiful to look at. We love these fun instruments!
