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- 1). Fill a small balloon with dried beans if using a balloon for the maraca frame. Inflate to desired size before tying off. A funnel or paper cone can help when inserting beans into the balloon. If using a lightbulb, no preparatory step is necessary. Securely attach tongue depressor or Popsicle stick to the base of the balloon or lightbulb with tape.
- 2). Tear strips of newspaper, magazines or other medium-weight paper to use for papier-mache. Prepare a paste mixture. Paste can be made by diluting common school glue with water or by combining two parts water to one part flour. Boil and stir mixture over low heat until thick and glossy. Submerge paper strips one at a time. Apply immediately to the frame in a crisscross pattern. Thoroughly cover the frame. Allow the papier-mache to dry completely, about 24 to 48 hours.
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Allow paper mache to completely dry before painting.Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
Stick a pin through the papier-mache to pop the balloon if you are using the balloon frame. For the lightbulb frame, hit the maraca on a hard surface to break the bulb. Paint the papier-mache. After the paint has dried, your maraca is set to shake to your favorite Latin beat. - 4). Substitute a paper plate for the papier-mache for an easy alternative for younger children. Place a handful of dried beans on a paper plate, fold in half and staple shut. Decorate with markers and attach streamers for a festive decoration.
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