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Give your preschool child a head start for school.

Looking for a project that will take your kids a little while to make? Maybe even two or three days worth of fun? Then try these wonderfully festive paper Mache maracas.

What You’ll Need

Newspaper strips
White glue
Small balloons
Clothes pins (the old-fashioned kind used to make dolls)
Brightly colored tempora or craft paints
Masking tape
Dried beans or peas

Instructions

On Day 1:

1. Put about a tablespoon of the beans or peas into balloons, then blow up the balloons slightly.

2. Tie them off and then masking tape them securely to the clothes pin handle. We actually used masking tape to cover our entire handles because they make a nice texture to match the rest of the maraca.

3. Once you are sure the balloon is very secure, (use several layers around the “neck” where the balloon actually attaches to the clothespin) it’s time to start building.

4. Mix plain white glue with a little water, dip the newspaper strips into the mixture, then place them over the balloon. Be sure you cover the balloon completely, and put on two or three layers. It’s good, old-fashioned mess fun!

5. Now, hang your new maracas up to dry. We just use a piece of twine and a regular clothespin for this process.

Day 2:

1. Check to make sure your maracas are good and dry. If not, give them another day. Usually 24 hours will do it, though, unless it’s extremely humid.

2. Now, very carefully, take a straight pin or needle and poke a tiny hole into the maraca in an inconspicuous place. This will pop the balloon and release your peas or beans.

3. Now, start painting. Any colors, any designs. After your little one has completed his masterpiece hang the moroccos up to dry again.

Day 3:

1. Enjoy your new musical instrument. Have a parade. Dance and keep time with a musical beat.

This craft is good for kindergarten ages and up. Smaller ones will enjoy it, but will need a lot of parental help.

Submitted by Nicole