Shake It Up: Crafting Clay Rattles

💭 Think About...

1. What sounds do different objects make when you shake them?
2. How can you make a rattle with clay? Why is it important to seal the edges tightly?
3. What textures and designs would make your rattle special?
4. How could you use your rattle to tell a story or show something from nature?
5. How have rattles been used in history? How are they used today?

🔨 Your Project

  1. Roll a ball of clay and pinch it between your fingers to form a small bowl shape. Do this twice to make two pinch pots.
  2. Place some rice, beans, or different sized clay balls inside one of the pinch pots.
  3. Score the edges of both pinch pots with a skewer or fork to roughen them up.
  4. Moisten the scored edges and apply slip to each side.
  5. Press the two pinch pots together to form a sealed rattle. Smooth the edges with your fingers or damp sponge to make sure they are sealed tightly.
  6. Use tools to add texture to the outside of your rattle. You can press texture mats, carve patterns with skewers, or add small pieces of clay for decoration.
  7. You can also add coils or different shapes to turn your rattle into a creature, animal, face, etc.
  8. Once you are done, write your name on the bottom of the rattle with a pencil or carving tool.
  9. Set the rattle aside to dry for 24-72 hours.
  10. Clean up your workspace, tools and wash your hands!