Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Fun Easy Crafts - Handmade Baby Rattles

Handmade Baby Rattles

Making handmade baby gifts is a favorite type of project for many a crafter. Tiny hats, booties, and baby blankets are both functional and adorable. But if you'd like to give the new baby something he can play with, why not make him a rattle?

Rattles stimulate young minds and keep them occupied while Mom shops or does chores. And there are numerous different ways you can make them. Here are some handmade rattle ideas, from super-easy to advanced.

1. Soda bottle rattle

It doesn't get much easier than making a rattle out of a soda bottle. Simply remove the label from the bottle, wash it out, rinse and turn upside down to dry for a day or two. Add some colorful beads, seeds or dried beans, and add a bit of non-toxic glue to the inside of the lid before putting it on. Paint with non-toxic paint if you like, let dry, and you have a quick and easy baby gift.

2. Gourd rattle

Gourds make great natural rattles. All you have to do is drill a tiny hole in an inconspicuous place and lay the gourd where it can get plenty of air for a week or two. The meat dries up, and the seeds are left loose to rattle around. You can leave it as-is or paint with food coloring or non-toxic paint.

3. Crocheted rattle

Crocheting isn't just for booties and blankets. You can crochet adorable toys as well. Crocheted rattles can be made using only one or two simple stitches. You can make them in the standard rattle shape in shapes of other objects. Just add a bell to the middle when you stuff it, and you've created a soft and safe rattle for baby.

4. Stuffed animal rattle

Stuffed animals are great for kids, and they're not terribly difficult to make. Putting a rattle inside makes them a perfect baby gift! Just be sure to sew on eyes, noses and other embellishments securely with strong thread. To make the toy even safer, stitch them out of thread in a contrasting color.

5. Wooden rattle

If you enjoy woodworking, there are many ways you can make a rattle. The most obvious way is to create a piece that is hollow on the inside and add a bell, beads or dried beans. You can also create a rattle by making a piece with captive rings. Not only will it rattle when shaken, it will also give baby something to move around with no worries about swallowing small pieces. Finish with mineral or seed oil.

Every baby needs a rattle. Why not give the new baby in your life a unique handmade one? No matter what your skill level, you can create a rattle that the little one is sure to love.



Baby Gourd Rattle


Most people think that baby rattles have to be shiny plastic do-dads with little plastic beads in them. Unfortunately these types of rattles, while bright, colorful and cute, can break, causing potential harm to the infant. Babies need safe toys to play with.

This adorable craft idea will help you make a toy that is colorful, fun, and safe for any baby. The gourd baby rattle is a natural alternative to the many dangerous toxic toys on the market today.

You only need a few items to get the job done:

• Gourd
• Food dye/non-toxic paint
• Rotary tool/Woodburning tool
• Non-toxic sealant

With this type of project you can make rattles for every baby you know and customize them to fit the baby. It is a great gift for the expectant mom who seems to have everything she needs for baby. A handcrafted gift made in love is always a big plus for sentimental mommas.

With this craft you can even make a few extra bucks selling them at craft fairs. People love this type of stuff and knowing that it is all natural is even better.

Your older kids can even assist with this or if you have a youth group you can make a few for babies who are hospitalized. So many possibilities with the Baby Gourd Rattle craft project.

So if you are seeking a fun quick project that you can do for any number of baby events, then think about giving this craft a try.

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