Raisin Box Maracas

What you'll need

·         2 empty 1-1/2-ounce raisin boxes

·         Dried beans

·         Tape

·         Paint

·         Jumbo-size craft stick

·         Glue

·         Rubber bands

·         Red paper

·         Double-sided tape

·         Paper in assorted colors

·         Patterned-edge scissors

How to make it

1.     For each one, you'll need two empty raisin boxes. Place about a tablespoon of dried beans inside each box, then tape the boxes shut. If you like, paint a jumbo-size craft stick and let it dry. Glue the boxes together with the craft stick between them. Secure the stack with rubber bands until the glue is dry.

2.     Cut a 4- by 10-inch piece of red paper. Fold back the shorter edges of the paper about 1/4 inch to make a clean edge. Stand the maraca stick side up. Use double-sided tape to secure the shorter end of the paper to the handle end of one box, butting against the craft stick. Wrap the paper around the boxes to meet the other side of the handle, and adhere with double-sided tape. Fold and seal the remaining open ends of the paper as you would wrap a gift.

3.     Decorate your maracas by gluing on strips of paper. We cut our paper with patterned-edge scissors. (Crafter's Tool Box: Patterned- or decorative-edge scissors are available at craft stores for as little as $2.50 each. They are ideal for making cards and scrapbook elements — or any time you want an even, perfectly patterned edge.)