Throughout the centuries , multitude have used gourd to make cunning , musical instruments and toys , range from maracas to birdhouse to seasonal ornaments . Making a rattle out of a gourd vine is an well-fixed , low - cost projection you may do by yourself or in a group , look upon how many gourds are useable . Choosing a gourd that has a well - form prow allows you to use the stem as the handle for your rattling , so you do n’t have to take the extra time to create a separate handgrip . take into account your calabash to cure completely before cutting into it ; if you hear the seeds rattle , your gourd vine is quick for crafting .

Step 1

Clean the outside aerofoil of your gourd vine . Wet the gourd completely in a bathing tub or bucket of hot water . Using a modest liquid dish Georgia home boy and a metal scrubby , smartly scrub the gourd , transfer all mould stains . utilize the sluggish side of a butter tongue to flake off off any mold - stained skin still remaining after the scrubbing .

Step 2

Dip your calabash into a bleach resolution ( one part bleach to nine parts piddle ) to remove any persist spore of moulding . permit your gourd to air - dry completely .

Step 3

Cut a hole in the bottom of your gourd . Using a keyhole proverb , cut a round hole approximately ½ inch in diameter from the bottom . Fill the gourd with hot water and get it soak for 20 to 30 minute of arc .

Step 4

Drain the water from your gourd . Remove the seeds and pith from inside your gourd , using a long - do by spoonful or chopstick .

Step 5

cake the inside of your gourd vine with varnish . Using a small paintbrush that fits inside the hole in the bottom , overlay the inside with varnish , leaving the gourd vine to ride overnight to dry out completely .

Step 6

Put noisemakers inside your calabash . Possible choices include small stones or pebbles , beans , seeds or Elmer Leopold Rice . Ginger Summit , co - author of " stimulate Gourd Instruments , " intimate that you block the cakehole with your paw and stimulate the gourd several times to test the auditory sensation of your gourd rattling . If you ’d like a different phone , try a dissimilar fabric .

Step 7

punch the muddle in your gourd with the bob . Make certain the cork fits firmly in the hole so your noisemakers wo n’t fall out .

Step 8

Paint the exterior of your gourd rattle , if desired . Although you could apply oil - establish pigment , acrylic paints are much more commodious and easier to cleanse up . If you plan to paint a design on your gourd , sketch it using a pencil first so you have an outline to follow .

Tip

Dipper calabash are a popular diversity for many rattle and shaker gourd projects because of their well - shaped stems .

Things Needed

References

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