Start with a piece of rawhide large enough to cut two 5-inch circles as well as a foot of lacing. The two circles will also have a 2-inch long protrusion at one end. This is going to be the insertion point of the rattle handle, so it will be about the width of the rattle stick. When cut out, the rattle head will look like a lollipop on a stick.
Next, cut a foot of lacing approximately a quarter inch wide. For cutting thick rawhide a pair of aviation tin snips will be required.
Gather Supplies for Rattle Making
For the rattle handle, find a branch or piece of antler. A notch or groove in the stick near the top gives the lace a ledge to hook into. The other materials include shakers for inside the rattle; something to hold the rattles shape as it dries; and some real or artificial sinew and a needle to sew it. To hold the shape, sand or a small balloon can be used. To create the shaking sound on the inside, consider using small stones or even dried corn.
Soak and Sew Rattle Head
Next the rattle heads are soaked until they are pliable. This may take anywhere from an hour to 4 hours, depending on the type of hide. When they are ready, take the rattle heads out of the water and place together with the finished “good” sides touching each other. This leaves the rougher side on the outside.
Taking the needle and sinew, start at the one side of the protrusion and sew the two faces of the rattle together. A tight running stitch is continued around the perimeter of the rattle head, so that the only open piece is the stick insertion point. Using a piece of thick leather on the palm helps to push the needle through, as does using a small pair of pliers to pull the needle.
At this stage it should look like a little rawhide bag with the opening being where the handle goes. The next step is to turn it inside out.
Sand or Balloon to Expand Rattle?
If a balloon is to be used, insert it and inflate until the desired shape of the rattle is produced. Tie off the balloon, and then insert the rattle handle and tie in place temporarily with sinew. Leave it to dry.
Instead of a balloon it could be packed with sand. Using a funnel helps to pour in the sand, as does packing it with the rattle handle or a blunt tamper. Insert handle, tie it in place and leave it to dry.
Putting The Rattle Together
Once the rattle head is dry, empty the sand or balloon and start soaking the lace. For finishing, a narrow strip of leather along the stitching gives it a clean appearance. To do this, glue a strip of leather along the stitch and down into the rattle handle that will be covered by the laces.
Put the shakers into the rattle (small stones) and test for the right sound. Size and number are a personal choice.
Now insert the rattle handle, and use the damp lacing to tie the rattle head in place around the handle. For longevity, add a smear of Weldbond or Titebond2 glue at the top of the stick before putting the rattle head on. A dab of glue on the knot of the lacing also helps it from slipping. Leave the rattle and lacing to dry. When it is finished, it can be painted, or trimmed with beads or a fur fringe around the lacing if so desired.
Check out Hides for Drum and Rattle Making
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