How Do You Make Gourd Rain Sticks?
With historical roots in South American native rain ceremonies, rain sticks are popular throughout the world. Rain sticks are made from natural materials and the shells of a rain sticks can be made from cacti, bamboo or gourds. Played by rotating the instrument back and forth, rain sticks create a soothing, atmospheric effect that reflects the sound of rainfall. Soak the gourd in a solution of one part bleach and 10 parts water for three hours to loosen the peel. Sand the peel away, using a copper or stainless steel scrubber. Use a hacksaw to cut off the top quarter of the gourd. Set aside the top for later reattachment. Remove the contents from inside the gourd, using a pumpkin scraper. Tape one end of a string to one end of the gourd. Wrap the string around the gourd so it creates a natural spiral from one end to the other. Tape the other end of the string to secure it in place. Use the string as a guideline for drilling a spiraling line of holes up and down the gourd. Make the holes
