Tuning your Drum

I was finally able to vend at my local market this weekend and it was a beautiful day. The sun was out and many people came to enjoy all the wonderful crafts, foods, and music. About this time every year I notice that a lot of people end up seeking me out or calling me to find out how to tune up their ashiko or djembe. Those beloved drums that have been sitting and waiting for the warmer weather that indicates the start of the outside drum circle season. Maybe they have been tapped on occasionally but for the most part have been gathering some cobwebs. So here it is.....the play by play on how to tune your drum. This can be used on any drum that is headed with the rope tuning system. And please note that these instructions are moving from right to left but your drum may tune from left to right. Just apply the same steps moving in the opposite direction.

Step One
Take your lead rope and cross over the next two vertical ropes that have not been crossed

Step Two
Go under one rope with your lead rope

Step Three
Go over the second rope with your lead

Step Four
Go back under both ropes with the lead rope

Step Five
Push the woven lead rope down as far as you can

Step Six
Pull the lead rope until the vertical ropes cross each other
Continue steps one through six until your drum sounds how you want. The more ropes you cross the higher pitched your drum will be.

If you still have troubles getting your drum tuned up please come see me down at the Saturday Market here in Eugene. I would be happy to show you how to do it. If you have time you can stick around for the drum circle that takes place every weekend on the courthouse steps. It's great fun and a wonderful way to learn new rhythms and techniques. And if you still don't have a drum to call your own, let me know. I can fix that! Stop by my booth or visit my Etsy shop at http://www.slaphappydrums.etsy.com/

Have a wonderful day!

Earth Day on Etsy

As you may know, Tuesday, April 22 is Earth Day. But also, as you may have heard.....every day is Earth Day. So I wanted to feature some items from Etsy that really capture the spirit of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Here are just a few of the wonderful things I found.

Major coffee drinker? I am! Cannot function without at least two cups in the morning. This reusable coffee filter is perfect for the caffeine addict. If you think about it...... You will save money. It is a natural product so you are doing a favor for your body. You are depositing less waste into a landfill (especially if you compost your coffee grounds. Worms love 'em. Yum Yum). And it takes up less space for storage. Seriously, why don't you have one yet? Get yours here:
http://www.thescenicroute.etsy.com/

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I love this idea! These cards are made with hand made recycled paper and embedded with seeds. Whomever you send them to gets to enjoy it twice! When they are done being admired, the cards can be planted and up pop wildflowers, basil, or chives!! Too fun! Check out the wide variety of cards from this artist....Mother's Day will be here soon. http://www.retrowhale.etsy.com/

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Here is another product that will save you money and keep waste out of the landfills. Reusable sanitary pads. Yes ladies, they are comfortable, reliable, and come in designer fabrics. Easily washable for use month after month. They are made with cotton and hemp and snap securely to stay put. I loved the tie dye fabric on this one. I noticed that the seamstress is up for custom orders. Want a certain color or different size? Maybe you like stripes or flowers. Want them to match your panties? Let her know! I found this one and many others, including liners, at:

http://www.modestmaiden.etsy.com/

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Eight billion pounds - estimated amount of plastic bags that end up being used and discarded every year.

One thousand years - how long it takes one bag to disintegrate.
I don't really think I need to explain this one too much. Reusable totes. Most grocery stores even give you a bag discount for bringing your own!

So the next time you run out to to shop, think of that poor sea turtle choking on a plastic bag after he has mistaken it for one of his main sources of food....the jellyfish....and buy reusable totes! This one and many others with great quotes can be found here: http://www.grubs.etsy.com/

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All natural, eco-freindly and no harsh chemicals. There are so many ways we can make our environment healthier. Here are a couple. Eyeshadow that is just - tada - crushed minerals! And why do we use chemicals we can't even pronounce the names of to clean? Here is a biodegradable, hypoallergenic alternative. And I love the fact that it comes in a reused container! I ask you....why not? Please check out the other fantastic products of these artists at:

http://www.backtotheearth.etsy.com/ and http://www.pitseel.etsy.com/

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I leave you with one final product. Don't throw those jeans out just because they have a hole in the knee. Honestly, the rest of them is perfectly fine. And if you want to not get them eaten you better listen to these guys. I'm telling you. They're tough and they mean business! http://www.andyeatsonlycandy.etsy.com/


Have a healthy and green Earth Day!

It's that time of year

Last weekend was the opener for the Eugene Saturday Market. I, unfortunately was sick and couldn't make it. So I am really looking forward to this Saturday ( April 12th ) to participate once again in the oldest open air market in the states.


This will be my fourth summer as a member of the market and I am still "perfecting" my booth. I think back to my first day and can't believe how organized I thought I was. Have to just shake my head now.


It is supposed to be around 70 degrees and sunny this weekend so I urge you to come see all of the beautiful hand made items if you are in the Eugene area. Everything is handmade, the food is excellent, the music always gets your toes tapping, and it's easy to lose yourself in all the smiling faces.


Many of the artists from the Eugene Etsy Street Team will be there. Here is thier link:

http://groups.google.com/group/eugeneetsy?hl=en


And for more information on our lovely market, go here

http://www.eugenesaturdaymarket.org/


If things go according to plan, my booth will be behind the stage facing the West Coast Bank. Please stop by and say hello. It is a yellow and blue booth with SlapHappy Drums painted in big letters across the top. Of course if it is busy you can always just follow your ears. Hope to see you there!




Charity

The Drum Queen of Eugene

The Rhythm of Etsy

I am new to this blogging thing and pretty new to Etsy. So far I have had a ton of fun meeting new people and making a couple sales here and there. There are a couple of other people I have found on Etsy that also sell drums but I am pretty unique as far as the style of drum I make and the small details that personalize my drums and make them one of a kind.

One example of this is the fact that much of the wood I use is recycled hardwood flooring. When people ask where I get this I tell them the magical recycled hardwood flooring store. The truth is I have made contacts through which I can purchase the wood and I am always on the lookout for piles of wood, construction sites, ads on craigslist and yes ....I am not afraid to admit it....dumpsters.

Another way my drums are a little different is the fact that I sometimes head them with tie dyed drum skins. When people ask me about this, I take joy in telling them the skin is from the very allusive Pacific Northwest Hippie Goat. You would be surprised at how many people just nod in agreement. Makes me smile.

I have been making drums for about ten years now and absolutely love it. I can't imagine doing anything else. So please take a look at my shop and stop back for more adventures in drum building. Thanks for reading.

Charity

the "Drumqueen of Eugene"