Drum GAllery

Here you will find selections of available “HeatherDrums” and past favorites.
Each has a story to tell!

Using quality materials and methods passed down from master makers, every piece is raised on a potter’s wheel and finished with glaze. This forming process enhances the acoustics by compressing the clay, producing better resonance and durability, while the natural rawhide drum heads are long-lasting and rich in sound, free of plastic and responsive to the touch.

Hand-drums like these are part of a living tradition of music-making known especially in Arabic, Turkish and Eastern European traditions. Worldwide the family of goblet drums is very common and includes the West African djembe and talking drum. The form’s dynamic shape creates a spectrum of tones on a single head, with bass projection provided by the cone-shaped tail.

As works of ceramic art, they embrace the layering potential of low-fire earthenware clay by utilizing underglazes, slips, stains, oxides, commercial and self-mixed glazes. Materials, elements and heat are at work as they endure the alchemy of change during at least two kiln firings.

While every one is unique, I strive for uniformity and balance in the design, with a catalog range of 5 sizes. The process takes 4 - 6 weeks to complete, and they are made in small batches throughout the year. Based in Chicago, USA.

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Currently Available HeatherDrums

Low stock! Hang on, I'm working on it!

“Pro” and “Large” size drums (currently sold out) are finished with thin calfskin heads, giving them more resistance to temperature changes and humidity. Natural skins can be heat-tuned, although I recommend doing so sparingly. Goatskin custom option is available.

One Medium drum is available, finished with goatskin. Made of terracotta clay with bubbly charcoal “Lava” effect glaze.

Tiny “tareja” drums, small but mighty, there are just three on the shelf: Lava + Red, Emerald Green, or Seafoam Green. All are finished with snares. I have a few of these waiting to be skinned, including a purple one, they're super cute!

Contact me for an update or request any time :)

Sound samples can be found on my YouTube. Listen with good speakers or headphones to get a little taste of what these drums sound like. (don’t judge my drumming tho, I’m obviously not in a good practice habit at the moment, boo!)

Looking for something specific? Special request for size or color? Contact me!

Updated 24 Nov, 2024

Selected past work

My first drum was made in the Summer of 2000! Check out these favorite color & shape variations from over the years. (I’ll be adding to this as I uncover more from the archive) Do you have a HeatherDrum? Would you like to share a photo in this gallery? Send it to me by email: HeatherDrums at Gmail.