Hello Sacred Friends,

This week's article is inspired by my precious grandkids. We are having fun with summer art projects and this one, the Rain Stick, is so beautiful and fun to make. My grandkids are 5 and 6 years old so they will need a bit of help making their Rain Sticks.

I used to make these with my 4th grade students each rainy spring to take a break during standardized testing. The soothing sound of the Rain Stick is so energizing and calming. Have fun and let me know how yours turns out!

Feel free to email me with any questions on your project, I would love to help!

Here's the latest article from the Native American site at BellaOnline.com.

Rain Sticks - Soothing Summer Craft for All Ages
The Rain Stick is like a tubular rattle. Traditionally made from cactus, the hollow tube was dried in the hot sun then partially filled with small pebbles, beans, seeds, and small pieces of lava rock. The Rain Stick differs from other ceremonial rattles due to its unique spiral interior.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art21466.asp

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http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=140

I love to learn from you! I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I honor your feedback!

Share this message with family and friends, because we all knowledge should be free!!

Peace & Blessings

Jackie

Jacqueline Olivia Pina, Native American Editor
http://nativeamerican.bellaonline.com

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