Native American drums are probably the most identifiable Indian instruments among Indian and non Native people alike. Drums for many generations have certainly been at the center of Indian lifestyle, forming what is the vehicle of religion and spirituality as well as special days where a pow wow drum is at the center.
Indian Shaman in North America history have all used drums in various ways to connect with a higher power known to most as the Great Spirit. To Native people, Indian drums are much more than just decorations or nice musical instruments. American Indian drums are thought to speak to the drummer. Native drums being made in a circle represent the earth and life. The most well known being hoop drums and shaman drums which are Indian hand drums used in many personal healing and religious ceremonies as well as public ceremonies such as a Native American powwow.
The skin of the animal that is pulled over the ring brings with it unique characteristics of the spirit of the animal and brings a sense of life to the drum when played. Many people think of striking a drum to make a sound, but to Native American drummers and those involved in modern drumming groups and drum circles, the desire is to draw out the sound. The beating drum is compared to the beating of a human heart and is said to represent the heart beat of the earth which is a belief that is classic Native American. Drums in this way become the vehicle to connect one's spirit with that of the earth and the Great Spirit through out the history of Native Americans.
Native American Indian drums have a rich culture and because they are so important they are used in not only music but art and dance as well. Adding decoration to a drum becomes a very personal job to the owner. The Indian drummer becomes an artist and communicates impressions of his inner feelings and beliefs in his Indian art. Some American Indian tribes use pictures of animals to personalize their drums and others use geometric patterns and everything in between. In some Native cultures the drummer will place an item of personal value inside the drum to permanently join himself with his hand drum.
The unique Native American pictures that the artwork on the drums depict is usually painted with natural earth colors taken from nature. Some are dull and others are bright coming from flowers, roots, berries, bark or herbs that are boiled to release their unique earth tones. Other Native American drums are decorated with iron oxide which is a naturally occurring red rock that can be easily crushed. When mixed with water, it produces a rich orange red dye that is much like paint and is indicative if the surrounding hillsides and rock formations like those of the beautiful Arizona red rock canyons. The region of Sedona is thought to be a special place with spiritual power like the energy created by American Indian drums.
The goal of Native American Education except for those Indian boarding schools that have tried to stamp out Native culture has always involved the sharing of beliefs through music, songs, stories and legends. It is in harmony with these methods of learning that the communication and cultural importance has been found in the use of drums. If you are interested in the spiritual aspects of life as pertain to Indian beliefs, you will enjoy owning and playing Native American drums.
2008年3月2日星期日
What You Need to Start Quilting
Quilting is done by hand, sewing machine, or Longarm quilting system, and refers to the process of attaching various fabric materials and layers to make a large flat quilt. Each technique makes use of a needle and thread to merge at least two layers of material to create the final product. The most common quilting is done from three distinct layers: quilt top, insulation, and backing.
The actual act of quilting occurs as the quilter or the sewing machine passes the needle and thread through the layers and then brings the needle back through to secure the layers.
Quilting is done back and forth like that all across the quilt to secure all of the pieces. In most cases, quilters use a running stitch which adds a decorative look to the quilt. Quilts are most often showcased on beds, as wall decor, as clothing and attire, and within several different textile products.
What Do I Need to Know About Quilting?
Standard quilting generally follows four steps -- piecing, layering, quilting, and binding. Piecing occurs when the quilt top is sewn. The quilt top features small strips or squares of fabric set in a pattern. This is commonly the colorful and creative part of the quilt.
The assembled pieces are called blocks, and they are the components that are sewn together to create the full quilt top. They are put together in one of two ways -- either each pieces is laid together with their edges touching, or sashing (small strips of fabric) is sewn along the edges of each. In some instances, one full piece of cloth is used for the quilt top instead of pieced together blocks.
Quilting occurs when the three layers (top, insulation, and backing) are sewn together. The quilting employs stitching in a decorative pattern that often follows or complements the design of the quilt top. Sometimes the top is not pieced but is a single piece, and only the stitching forms the pattern. Binding is the final step to finishing the quilt by adding the edges with a piece of trim fabric.
What Do I Need to Start Quilting?
If you will be quilting by hand, the basic equipment you will need include a thimble to protect your fingers from the needles, needle & thread to complete the quilting process, and a frame or hoop to hold the quilt fabric taut as you work. Should you decide to use a machine to quilt your craft, basic supplies include safety pins, thread, a walking foot, and a darning foot.
Of course, you'll also need the fabrics, insulation, and backing materials from which you will create the quilt.
Where Did the Art of Quilting Originate?
In its earliest days, quilting was done for necessary purposes rather than for decoration. Some scholars believe that quilts were first created to provide additional protection under armor for soldiers in combat. These quilts were also used for warmth during cold winters and cooler weather.
The ancient Egyptians are believed to have quilted clothing for warmth and protection -- this belief is based upon the sculptures that have been discovered with ancient figures dressed in quilted clothing. By the time of the American colonial period, upper class women engaged in quilting as a showing of their class status.
Are There Different Kinds of Quilting?
Although there are many variations to the art of quilting, the two most common types are quilting done by hand and quilting done by machine. When a quilt is created by machine, the person operating the machine runs the material through in the stitch pattern desired while the elements of the machine handle the actual process of the needle and thread.
When hand quilting is done, the frame is usually used to hold the material solid and tight for the quilter. He or she will then manually pull the needle and thread through the material to create the stitch pattern.
What Fabric Do I Use for Quilting?
Quilts are so popular partly due to the fact that there are a number of fabric designs, colors, and materials available for creating custom, colorful quilts. Many of these quilts are so unique and personalized that they quickly become family heirlooms.
To make a quilt, you must first decide on the design and print of the main part of the quilt. Major hobby and craft stores will carry a wide variety of these fabrics, which can be purchased by the yard. In addition to the fabric, you will also need to select insulation, backing, and sashing, which is optional and depends on your preference.
The actual act of quilting occurs as the quilter or the sewing machine passes the needle and thread through the layers and then brings the needle back through to secure the layers.
Quilting is done back and forth like that all across the quilt to secure all of the pieces. In most cases, quilters use a running stitch which adds a decorative look to the quilt. Quilts are most often showcased on beds, as wall decor, as clothing and attire, and within several different textile products.
What Do I Need to Know About Quilting?
Standard quilting generally follows four steps -- piecing, layering, quilting, and binding. Piecing occurs when the quilt top is sewn. The quilt top features small strips or squares of fabric set in a pattern. This is commonly the colorful and creative part of the quilt.
The assembled pieces are called blocks, and they are the components that are sewn together to create the full quilt top. They are put together in one of two ways -- either each pieces is laid together with their edges touching, or sashing (small strips of fabric) is sewn along the edges of each. In some instances, one full piece of cloth is used for the quilt top instead of pieced together blocks.
Quilting occurs when the three layers (top, insulation, and backing) are sewn together. The quilting employs stitching in a decorative pattern that often follows or complements the design of the quilt top. Sometimes the top is not pieced but is a single piece, and only the stitching forms the pattern. Binding is the final step to finishing the quilt by adding the edges with a piece of trim fabric.
What Do I Need to Start Quilting?
If you will be quilting by hand, the basic equipment you will need include a thimble to protect your fingers from the needles, needle & thread to complete the quilting process, and a frame or hoop to hold the quilt fabric taut as you work. Should you decide to use a machine to quilt your craft, basic supplies include safety pins, thread, a walking foot, and a darning foot.
Of course, you'll also need the fabrics, insulation, and backing materials from which you will create the quilt.
Where Did the Art of Quilting Originate?
In its earliest days, quilting was done for necessary purposes rather than for decoration. Some scholars believe that quilts were first created to provide additional protection under armor for soldiers in combat. These quilts were also used for warmth during cold winters and cooler weather.
The ancient Egyptians are believed to have quilted clothing for warmth and protection -- this belief is based upon the sculptures that have been discovered with ancient figures dressed in quilted clothing. By the time of the American colonial period, upper class women engaged in quilting as a showing of their class status.
Are There Different Kinds of Quilting?
Although there are many variations to the art of quilting, the two most common types are quilting done by hand and quilting done by machine. When a quilt is created by machine, the person operating the machine runs the material through in the stitch pattern desired while the elements of the machine handle the actual process of the needle and thread.
When hand quilting is done, the frame is usually used to hold the material solid and tight for the quilter. He or she will then manually pull the needle and thread through the material to create the stitch pattern.
What Fabric Do I Use for Quilting?
Quilts are so popular partly due to the fact that there are a number of fabric designs, colors, and materials available for creating custom, colorful quilts. Many of these quilts are so unique and personalized that they quickly become family heirlooms.
To make a quilt, you must first decide on the design and print of the main part of the quilt. Major hobby and craft stores will carry a wide variety of these fabrics, which can be purchased by the yard. In addition to the fabric, you will also need to select insulation, backing, and sashing, which is optional and depends on your preference.
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