Arts and crafts: Homemade rattle
All children from the age of about 6 months love rattles or anything that makes a noise when being thrown, shaken or hit against something. Seeing as these little blessings however get bored with the same old rattle and that buying new rattles weekly is not a financially feasible option, I have started making rattles for my Bean. My son simply loves his rattle collection and plays with these rattles daily comparing the various sounds and shapes.
Here is how:
Collect and clean empty containers
You can literally choose any empty household container.It’s fun to use containers made of different materials and shapes as you want every rattle to look and feel different as well as make a different and new sound.
Always ensure that the container used is not breakable, does not have any sharp edges and is cleaned properly.
I have used:
- Barocca container
- Baking soda tin
- Panado container
- Ice cream tub
- Yoghurt tubs
- Toothpaste boxes
- Cereal boxes
Store bought containers (from any plastic / packaging store eg.: Westpack or Plasticland)
Add various noise-making household goods
Whether it is rice, sand or buttons, throw in anything you have at home which will make a noise.
Here are some examples:
- Rice
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Lentils
- Barley
- Peppercorns
- Nails
- Buttons
- Stones
- Hundreds and Thousands
- Sugar
Close and Seal the Containers
This is very important, especially if you make a rattle using items which can hurt your child or cause him or her to choke. For the containers with lids, I simply add some superglue to the inside of the lid and shut it (making sure that no excess glue escapes), thereby glueing the lid shut.
Another fun idea is to tape the containers with various coloured duct tape (buy some here http://www.takealot.com/duct-tape-crafts-3rd-edition/PLID40876683). This seals the rattle while adding some visual stimulation.
Have fun and be sure to follow us for more easy arts and crafts ideas
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Alexa
