Creative Valentine’s Day Rhythm Shakers for Kids

Making music doesn’t have to be expensive! With a little creativity and a few simple supplies from around the house, you can create a brand-new rhythm instrument for kids. This Valentine’s Day, I put together these fun Valentine’s Day Rhythm Shakers, and they were a hit!

Using just paper plates, dried beans, and some fun Valentine’s decorations, these shakers are easy to assemble and a fantastic way to get kids involved in music and creativity. Not only do they have fun crafting their own instruments, but they also get to explore rhythm and sound in a hands-on way.

The best part? You don’t need anything fancy—just a few craft supplies and a little imagination. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just looking for a fun activity, this project is a great way to engage kids in the creative process.

Check out my step-by-step instructions below along with a picture of my completed shaker. Let’s shake up some fun this Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day Paper Plate Shaker Craft – February 2025

Supplies Needed:
Paper plates (2 per shaker)
Glue
Heart-shaped pieces (paper or foam)
Jiggly eyes
Pom-poms
Dried beans

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Decorate the Plates
Take two paper plates and decorate the backs of both plates using heart-shaped pieces, jiggly eyes, and pom-poms.
2. Prepare the Shaker
Turn the plates over so the undecorated sides are facing up. Place a small
handful of dried beans on one plate. Apply glue around the edge of the
bottom plate.
4. Seal the Shaker
Carefully align and place the second plate on top, pressing the edges
together. Allow the glue to fully dry before handling.
6. Shake and Enjoy!

Once dry, shake your Valentine’s Day shaker and enjoy the fun sound!