You are purchasing an experience like no other! This is a Ceremonial Drum Making Workshop. Together, we will celebrate creating a reflection of your Soul in the Soul of your very own Native American inspired frame drum. This 3 hr. workshop is led by Mary Ellen Connett, licensed therapist, retreat and workshop leader, drum circle leader, ritualist and frame drum artist.

Location: Ridgeway Place, 23415 GA HWY 315, Waverly Hall, GA 31831. Directions will be given

Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Gather to infuse intention into, create and bless a 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 inch frame drum and drum stick. If you are brand new to Drum Circles and drumming, we can suggest for your first drum, a 12 inch drum, which is easiest to handle. Of the currently available hides, deer, elk or cow hide is easiest to make. The 12 inch has a beautiful, rich vibration and sound and can be played for any occasion. BUT keep reading if you want the deepest vibration.

NOTE: for all drums - deer, elk, horse, bison and cow hides are available. Horse and bison hides are more difficult to work with if this is your first drum. But if you are feeling called to those hides, you’l have help in the workshop.

We are also offering a deeper width 12 inch drum which will have a deeper, richer sound and vibration. This is a good alternative if it’s your first drum and you plan to have a regular practice of drumming. You’ll have a big sound in a smaller drum, which is also very easy to travel with.

Also new to our selection is a 13 inch 8 sided drum, which is easy to handle and provides a unique sound and appearance. Also, new is an 8 sided 15 inch drum, larger, deeper and more resonant with a unique appearance.

Then, we have a 14, 15 and 16 inch circular frame drum available.

Currently, all of the drum kits are available in deer, elk, bison, cow and horse. I only recommend deer hide on the 12 or 13 inch drums as the hide is typically thin. Again, deer, elk and cow are easiest to work with if this is your first drum. But you’ll have experienced help during our workshop so any drum with any hide will be possible to make.

You will be notified if your selection is not available at the time of ordering and what currently is available.

RECOMMENDATION: IF you have a Drum Meditation practice and/or go regularly to Drum Circles, and your heart and soul desires a deeper, stronger vibration, the 13, 14, 15 or 16 inch drum will offer that, and surround you and your space with wonderful healing vibrations!

IMPORTANT TIP ON PAINTING A PICTURE ON THE FACE OF THE DRUM: The only material you should use that will not build up and not affect the quality of sound when playing the drum is INDIA INK.

You’ll be guided in DRUM MAKING every step of the way. NOTE: you will work at tables. You will have the option of working together with others or complete your entire drum on your own, the choice is yours. You will have assistance as needed. We will be in a barn or apartment setting with plenty of ventilation.

We'll start by providing an inspirational look into the benefits of Drumming, followed by hands-on instruction of the steps of frame drum making. You’ll write your intentions for your drum inside the frame. We’ll say blessings to and honor the animal and plant that have given itself to this drum. And, once completed, we’ll have a sage smudging and prayer over our newly birthed drums.

PLEASE NOTE: YOU NEED TO BRING A LARGE BATH OR BEACH TOWEL TO USE FOR BLOTTING WATER FROM YOUR SOAKED ANIMAL HIDE, and to lay on the table while creating your drum. All other supplies will be provided. ALSO, REMEMBER TO PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BEVERAGES AND SNACKS, IN YOUR OWN COOLER.

We normally go somewhere locally for lunch afterwards and you are welcome to plan for that as well.

See the website page “Ceremonial Drum Making” under the Journeys tab in the menus bar for more complete details and pictures of this sacred process.

GO TO: https://youtu.be/gSmgrlPGyqc to see a video of the complete drum making process of the Spirit of Van Gogh Drum

NOTE WHEN CHOOSING YOUR ANIMAL HIDE: See Additional Information below for spiritual significance of the different animals, according to the Medicine Cards book by David Carson and Jamie Sams.