how 2 make a gourd rattle

first go to the store and pick out a gourd that you feel comfortable with.now keep it in a dry place with shade no direct sun light until it dries out.it may take a couple of months to dry out.now that it is dried whittle a small hole in its side or the bottom your preference.make sure the hole is just big enough to shake the seeds out you can leave some if you wish but keep in mind that you will be filling it with other seeds and objects.here is a list of seeds you can use ...peppercorn.protection power deflection...anise.protection.purification.divination.spirit contact.deflection of negativity...blackthorn.defense.retribution.protection.other world contact.destruction...briar.defense.protection.enhance.personal power.divination.dreams...cypress.banishing and releasing.binding.death immortality.eternity.hades.underworld.hecate.shadow land...fennel.protection. purification.healing ward negativity...juniper berry.visions.purification.spirit contact.exorcism.protection...clove.banishing.releasing.exorcism.protection companion offering...apple.underworld.rebirth. immortality.food for the dead.samhain.this is just an example be creative and personalize it to suit your needs one thing i add is my finger nail clipings .well now that you have added all that you are going to add.take a warm piece of wax so that it is soft and molds well your choice of wax color.plug the hole with the wax and smooth the wax over the hole so that it matches best you can with the surface of the gourd.now let the wax cool and harden.now that the wax is hardened you are ready to paint your gourd .paint it however you wish use runes or any thing you feel best with it is versatile and can be used in many different formats and is used ceremonialy by many cultures around the world