Learn How to Make Gourd Maracas: A Fun and Educational Project for Kids
If you’re looking for an educational and enjoyable project for your children, consider making gourd maracas. This simple and inexpensive activity is perfect for a wide range of ages and can be easily adapted to suit the abilities of your kids.
What Are Maracas?
Maracas are musical instruments that originated in Latin America. They are typically made from gourds, which are dried and filled with seeds or beans. When shaken, the seeds or beans rattle inside the gourd, creating a rhythmic sound.
How to Make a Gourd Maraca
Making a gourd maraca is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps:
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Choose a gourd. Select a gourd that is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and has no visible rot or open wounds.
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Cut a hole in the bottom of the gourd. This is where the seeds or beans will be inserted. Make sure the hole is no bigger than your thumb.
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Scoop out the seeds and pulp. Use a spoon or your fingers to scoop out about two-thirds of the seeds and pulp from the inside of the gourd.
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Let dry overnight. Place the gourd in a dry area and let it dry overnight.
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Fill with seeds or beans. You can fill your maraca with pebbles, dried beans, or even uncooked rice. If using dried beans, be sure to roast them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes before using them.
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Insert a handle. Insert a smooth, wooden dowel into the hole in the bottom of the gourd. Seal the hole with glue and then wrap tape around the handle and opening for added security.
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Decorate (optional). You can decorate your maraca with non-toxic paint or markers. Once the paint is dry, apply a coat of shellac to help preserve it.
How to Make a Shekere Shaker
A shekere shaker is a variation of a gourd maraca that has beads, seeds, or shells attached to netting that is draped over the outside of the gourd. When shaken or slapped, the beads hit the outside of the gourd, creating a rhythmic sound.
To make a shekere shaker, follow the same steps as for making a gourd maraca, but once the gourd is cleaned out, it must be dried thoroughly. You can dry the gourd in the sun or in the oven at a low temperature.
Once the gourd is dry, tie a band of string around the neck. Cut 12 or more pieces of string (more for larger gourds) that are twice the height of the gourd and tie them to the band of string around the neck.
Dip the strings in melted wax to make it easier to thread the beads. Make a knot in the string, thread a bead, and then tie another knot. Repeat until you have four or five beads on each of the strings.
Finally, tie or tape the strings of beads to the base of the gourd to hold them in place.
Tips for Making Gourd Maracas and Shekere Shakers
- Use a variety of different gourds to create maracas with different shapes and sizes.
- Experiment with different types of seeds or beans to create different sounds.
- Decorate your maracas with paint, markers, or other materials to make them unique.
- Use your maracas and shekere shakers to create your own music or to accompany other instruments.
- Make gourd maracas and shekere shakers with your friends or family for a fun and rewarding experience.
With a little creativity and effort, you and your kids can create beautiful and unique gourd maracas and shekere shakers that will provide hours of musical enjoyment.
