Rainstick craft is a great way to connect kids with gardening and the plants they grow.

As a gardener, you can use for harvest for more than eating. You can make crafts! One of my favorites is the rainstick. They’re super easy to make and super fun–not to mention noisy!

What you’ll need:

¾ – 1 cup dried beans (black, kidney, pinto—even dried rice!)
hollow paper tube (wrapping paper or paper towel)
paint, colored markers or construction paper
card stock or fabric swatch, cut into a circle shape (large enough to cover tube end with overlap)
masking or duct tape
aluminum foil

Decorate the outside of your tube using paint, colored markers. Next, tear off a piece of aluminum foil that is as long as your tube. Just pull the paper out of the dispenser and stop when you’ve reached the end of your tube. Crumple up the aluminum foil using your hands until it’s long and narrow enough to fit inside your tube. Gently, push the foil inside your tube and down the length until it is completely inside.

Seal one end of the tube by placing card stock over the opening, then tape into place. Add your beans, then seal opposite end. Be sure to create a solid seal or your beans will fall out. Tilt your rainstick and enjoy the sound!

Optional method: You can also use a mailing tube—it comes with built-in caps to seal ends! If using construction paper to decorate the outside of your tube, don’t forget the glue to seal it in place!

Maracas are a GREAT way to use your dried beans, too! Simply scoop 1/4 cup of dried beans onto a paper plate, then cover with another paper plate (positioned upside down so that your maracas will have curved exterior) and staple edges to seal.

Now, it’s time to decorate to your heart’s content! Make them bold and beautiful then shake, shake shake. And dance!

A rainstick craft always creates fun in the garden!