Recycled Maracas
Recycled Maracas is a festive and easy craft that lets kids turn simple recycled materials into fun musical instruments. These bright maracas are perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, classroom activities, or just a creative afternoon at home. Kids will love shaking their finished maracas and decorating them in bold, cheerful colors.
Supplies
- Crystal Light containers with lids
- Paint sticks
- Beads
- Construction paper
- Decorative trim
- Scissors
- Hot glue
Instructions
- Place a small amount of beads inside each Crystal Light container to create the maraca sound.
- Have an adult use hot glue to secure the lid tightly onto the container.
- Cut a slit in the top of the container just large enough to insert a paint stick handle.
- Insert the paint stick into the slit and have an adult secure it in place with hot glue.
- Wrap the container with construction paper and glue it in place.
- Decorate the maracas with colorful trim, shapes, or extra paper details in bright Cinco de Mayo inspired colors.
- Let everything dry completely before shaking and playing your recycled maracas.
Fun Facts
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on May 5. It honors the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is mainly celebrated in the state of Puebla. In the United States, it has also become a day to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.
Maracas are percussion instruments that make sound when shaken. They are often used in music and celebrations.
Patterns, Templates and Printables
This craft does not require a printable template, but kids can use colorful paper shapes, stickers, or hand-drawn designs to personalize their maracas.
Teacher Friendly Educational Extension
This craft works well as part of a Cinco de Mayo lesson, a recycling theme, or a simple music activity. Children can compare loud and soft sounds by testing different amounts of beads inside the containers. Teachers can also invite students to create color patterns on their maracas, learn about Mexican celebrations, or practice rhythm by shaking along to music. This makes it a fun choice for classroom activities and easy crafts for kids.
Supplies
Paint Sticks Crystal Light Containers Beads Hot Glue Misc trim Scissors Construction Paper
Instructions
To make these Recycled Maracas, put beads inside of the Crystal Light containers and hot glue the tops on. (adult assistance is needed for hot glue). Put a slit in the top and secure a paint stick in the slit with hot glue. Glue construction paper around the container and decorate with trim. All you need to do now is start your celebration.
Contributor
These projects are created by Terri, Betty, Jamie or one of the talented staff members at MakingFriends.com. They have been created exclusively for publication on FreeKidsCrafts.com with supplies you'll be able to find around your house.
what are crystal light containers
Crystal Light is a powdered drink here in the USA. It is a round cardboard container with a plastic lid. Not sure what you have in the UK that is comparable but a moderately sized round container should work the same. Anybody with suggestions please post.
I love the craft but Crystal light is to expensive to buy for class room craft any suggestions on a different container
You might want to try the Plastic Spoon Maracas https://freekidscrafts.com/plastic-spoon-maracas/
Yogurt containers and use beans or rice inside.
This just saved my live from my teacher’s homework
Great