Hand Drum
Participants build a nominal 15 inch octagon, or 14 inch round Native American-style hand drum. Your frame is hand-built by Grandfather Rick on receipt of the materials deposit when you specify the style you want.
Frames are typically made of poplar, a hardwood, and all joints are pinned. The drum head is typically Elk, but this can vary subject to availability. The workshop is capped at 8 people.
It takes about five days for a drum to thoroughly dry, in which time it cannot be played. A drumming is scheduled from one to two weeks after the workshop where those interested in "waking" their drum up can do so (this is explained in the workshop). The drumming is open to all people.
Tuition: $140 for octagonal drum ($80 deposit) or $170 for round drum ($110 deposit.) Deposits required ten days prior to the workshop as it takes considerable time to build the frames and arrange for the hides.
Rattles
Rattles are similar to drums in that they call the spirits as they raise our energy and quickness of thought. Making a rattle is fun, using a rattle can be for fun and social, as well as for healing. In this workshop you will make a hafted rattle and if you have time, a palm rattle. You'll be given some ideas on how to personalize you rattle and if you choose to dedicate your rattle to healing work, you'll be invited to wake it up at the next drumming.
We'll be working with wet rawhide, so to help it dry faster, please bring a hair dryer if you have one. Wado!
Tuition: $35 includes materials
Dreamcatcher
You will learn the fun art of creating a dreamcatcher on a five inch metal hoop. Once you have mastered the weave, you'll build a second dreamcatcher on a natural vine hoop. I usually have drilled tumbled stones and feathers to decorate the second dreamcatcher with. I encourage you to bring what you have for decoration as well.
Tuition: $35 includes materials
Loom Beading
Learn beading on the loom, the first step to beading other styles, such as lazy, peyote, brick, sewn, free drop, and Commanche stitch. You will get acquainted with the materials and bead types, and complete a project on the loom. Workshop includes materials for your project.
To the right is the project you will complete, a 13 row by 55 row, or 1 inch by 5.25 inch approximate geometric eagle pattern (colors may vary.) Project is shown on a 12 inch wood loom, which is included in the materials, along with 3 tubes of beads, a 4 inch beading needle, beading thread, and patterns. Materials starter kit accounts for $35 of the class tuition. The class runs for two hours, but since you own the loom and have all the materials, do not worry about finishing the project in class; it is better to take your time and do a good job. You will be instructed on all phases of loom beading.
Tuition: $60 (which includes $35 starter kit)
"Completely exceeded my expectations, a fantastic workshop and fantastic teacher, in every way!
Two thumbs up and my highest recommendations!"
— Linda, FL
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Making your own sacred begins with the idea, is made more concrete in acquiring the skills and materials necessary to create it, and finally, in the actual construction of it, which is typically done in a ceremonial setting*; smudging, offering tobacco, and a prayerful attitude. After the drum has fully dried, it can be "awakened" into a ceremonial life. The process of creating, then awakening a sacred drum is akin to birthing a child and similar care is given throughout the entire process.
"I have been building hand drums for over twelve years now and have helped many people create their own sacred, a process I fervently believe in, especially if your reason to build the drum is for use in ceremony. As I teach you how to physically create your drum, I also teach about drumming; when to use it, drum etiquette and technique, and even about catching songs."
*Drums are built in deference to the Spirits and with their help, but the actual process of building a drum is not ceremony.