Homemade Rice Shaker

I recently made a homemade rice shaker for my kids after seeing a high priced version at a toy store. Begin by dying some rice any color you like. To do this, mix a few drops of rubbing alcohol with a food coloring of your choice. I used two colors (in separate bowls) for this shaker. Then add your rice (plain, uncooked white rice) and stir. Spread out your dyed rice on cookie sheets covered with paper towels and allow it to dry for several days. When your rice is ready, simply fill an empty tennis ball can (remove the label) with it and add trinkets of your choosing. Tape the top closed very carefully so they can't shake everything all over your floor! You can buy trinkets of course, but I added things that I collected from around the house. I put in an old key, sea shells, interesting buttons, a colorful rubber band, paperclips, etc. I've found this is a great toy for the car because it doesn't take up much space and isn't too noisy either!