Making Hand Drums

A few weekends ago, 2 friends and I took the Chi-Cheemaun (the big canoe) ferry from Southbaymouth to Tobermory and from there to Meaford. Coming and going we stopped at Elliotts Market just north of Wiarton. They have lovely fresh fruits & veggies and best of all baking and the largest assortment of home baked breads I have seen any where. We bought French Herb, Garlic Cheese and Raisin, were they ever delicious.

I stayed at my friend Diane's new home just outside Meaford. What a beautiful place she has. Here are some photos around her garden. We sat on her deck overlooking the gardens and made our drums. Five women from different areas of Southern Ontario.

It was a great day overcast in the morning so it was not too hot. However the sun blazed down in the afternoon and it became quite uncomfortable.

We had a wonderful lunch of quite a variety of salads, lots of cool drinks and a rubarb dessert. In the morning we cut the lacing for the drums. We started by smudging all the parts with sage,and then began to string our drums. It must be done slowly and is hard work and needs strong hands. It is great for team work as we can help each other.

The hide had been soaked in cold water to make it soft and flexible. The frame must be centered on the face of the drum and then the lacing begins

This is a very brief overview of drum making. It is very spiritual, meditative and a time for fellowship, sharing and laughter. It was a wonderful day and we all went home relaxed and full of joy.

Next week I will be telling you all about the wonderful Summer Solstice Celebration our Drum Circle held.

Artist Trading Cards

Well, Kate & I are off to Dunvegan, Ontario. It is about an hour from where she lives in Quebec and if you take the back roads it is a lovely drive. We got there a bit early so had lots of time to look at all the different ATCs displayed on the tables. There were 19 people there as well as about 4 mail-ins. People from all over Canada and the USA send them in to be traded. I was amazed at all the different ideas people had for the cards. When the trading began it was over very quickly as most people knew who they wanted to trade with. I did quite well with my trades in spite of my not really knowing how to go about it. Here are the ones I got to bring home with me. Click to enlarge.

I really enjoyed making the cards and meeting new people , even if it was just for a short time. I am already thinking about more advanced cards that I can make and maybe even start a group to do it in Northern Ontario where I live. The Dunvegan group was started by Ronna Mogelon, a delightful young woman. She puts out an ATC Quarterly magazine with lots of good stuff about the cards and more. You can reach her at ronnas blog. I will now try to do the link for you.

Art Studio

Kate said she would be going to her art trading card exchange and would I like to come. As I am always up for new adventures I said why not. So she said let's go to my studio and we can make art cards to take and trade. Well, I do not consider myself much of an artist, but decided to give it a go. Off we went to ART VEIN STUDIO and put on our thinking caps. I love labyrinths and so decided to do something basic and used water colour paper and pencils and drew individual labyrinths on each one. Here are some of the ones I did. Click on picture to enlarge.

We had a lot of fun. I always enjoy going to the studio as it is so bright and cheery and Kate does such unique art. Click on Art Vein Studio and you can see some of her work for yourself.

Getting Started

Meandered to Quebec for daughter Kate's 50th birthday and had many upbeat adventures. We got talking about blogs of which I know nothing and Kate said she could set me up with one and so here I am trying to make heads or tails of how to do this. I hope you will all be patient with me as I learn as I go.

A 50th birthday is very special and I wanted to do something different for Kate. I phoned, went on the internet and finally found someone who did lawn ornaments. They come between midnight and 5 a.m. to set them up, so it was quite a surprise for everyone in the morning. Kate and Jerry looked out the door perplexed and wondering what had happened to their lawn. Everyone got a good laugh out of them and many passers by stopped to look and chat about them. They were a big hit. Now I will try and put on a photo for you.