Rain Sticks

I love the sound of rain, especially on a wintery night when you are tucked up inside cosy and warm by an open fire. Aah, so with the rain we have been having at the moment, my mind wandered to rain sticks, so we made one. Not finished completely yet - still has to have its artwork completed but the basis of it is in place and it sounds beautiful. You can make one with a wrapping paper roll or stick a couple of toilet rolls together. Punch holes following the circular line which wraps around the roll. Make sure you follow the circular line as it makes a difference to the sound - we have previously just punched the holes anywhere and it doesn't sound anywhere near as nice. Also ensure the holes are fairly close together or you wont get the nice rain sound. Put bamboo skewers through the holes and cut off. When completed place wide tape over the ends of the bamboo skewers. Tape a couple of layers of paper over one end and pour in a couple of handfuls of split peas, rice, beans (whatever you have in the pantry). We filled with split peas which has a really nice sound. Cover the other end and then I covered in paper ready for Jordan to add his artistic touch in the next day or so.