Maracas are musical instruments that sound like a bell or rattle. The maracas player or "maraquero" shakes a maraca with each hand to set the rhythm of the music. Maracas are used in different genres of music such as Latin American, pop, and classical music. In some places the maracas are also known as “rumba shakers”. These musical instruments can be a lot of fun to entertain a gathering or a big dinner party. The Indians of South America, pioneers in the use of maracas, made their own with pumpkins. Here we tell you how to make your own maracas with materials that you can easily get in your day-to-day home.
Steps
Step 1. Blow up two balloons until they are about the size of a grapefruit
Tie the end of each one.
Step 2. Place one of the balloons over the top of a jar
Then cut strips of newsprint that are about 6 inches long and ½ inch wide (Save time by cutting the newspaper into triple layers).
Step 3. In an aluminum frying pan, mix equal amounts of white glue and water; about 1/2 cup of each
Dip the newspaper strips into the mixture and apply the wet strips to the balloon, criss-crossing them. Use about five layers to make the maraca stronger. Make sure no part of the balloon is exposed except the bottom.
Step 4. Do the same with the second balloon
Let both balloons dry overnight.
Step 5. Hold each balloon by the tied end and pop it with a pin
When the balloon is small enough, pull on the tied end.
Step 6. Insert 12 beans or small stones through the hole in each maraca and apply tape to the hole to seal it
Step 7. To make the handles, use a cardboard tube for each maraca
Wrapping paper tubes are the best, but you can also use toilet paper tubes.
Step 8. Cut four parallel slots lengthwise at the end of each tube
Make each slit about 3 inches long. Surround the tube with tape just below the slots to prevent them from opening further.
Step 9. Separate the pieces of tube that were formed with the indentations
Fit these cut pieces onto the maraca and tape them firmly to the instrument.
Step 10. Paint the maracas and let them dry overnight
Step 11. To decorate the handles of the maracas, cut two strips of crepe paper approximately 3 inches wide and 14 inches long
Cut 1½-inch slots along the entire edge of each strip, about ¼-inch apart. You will have some fringes.
Step 12. Apply glue to the uncut edge of a strip and glue it to one of the handles, starting just below the maraca
Glue and wrap the strip around the handle towards the bottom end. Repeat the same process with the other handle.
Step 13. Cut out several circles from crepe paper and glue them to the maracas
