The basic material used for making ceremonial rattles is recycled deer leather. The leather for the heads of the rattles is obtained from scraps left over from making drums. If the scraps were not used to make rattles, they would end up in compost. The leather is purchased from a small farmer who saves it for us instead of disposing of it. If there are no discarded skins, we don't create instruments. We don't drive the market. I protect the rattleheads with a mixture of natural oils, or leave them without a protective layer if that is the customer's preference. When ordering a personalized rattle, the customer can choose a head with hair.
I collect wood for rattles sticks in the winter during the new moon. This way, I obtain what is called moon wood. Moon wood has the best properties because it contains the least amount of water in its structure. It is important to me that when I cut the wood, the tree has the least amount of sap and "pain." I choose apple or plum trees because they have a fertility vibration that resonates with my intention to open up to our natural creativity. I always thank the nearby orchard with a bit of tobacco and a kind word. I protect the wood with a mixture of natural oils, or leave it without a protective layer if that is the customer's preference.
The rattles are sewn with colored linen threads, which are characterized by beautiful colors and high durability.
I obtain feathers from sources I know or collect them myself while walking in the forest or on the beach. I can't identify the origin of some of them. For Creativity rattles, I use pheasant feathers because, from a shamanic perspective, the pheasant symbolizes fertility and prosperity, carrying the wisdom of birth cycles from rebirth to rebirth. I also use peacock, rooster, or swan feathers for personalized rattles. I always describe the vibration of the feathers during communication with the customer.
I add hanging beads to the rattles, along the handle and under the rattlehead. I usually use wooden beads, semi-precious stones (lapis lazuli, tiger's eye, mountain crystals, coral), or seeds such as rudraksha. Each bead has a different vibration. Semi-precious stones have healing properties that support specific qualities. Rudraksha seeds used by monks and tantrics are said to have magical properties. Amber is associated with the throat chakra and supports the process of opening up to one's own voice. Wooden beads carry warm, soft, grounding energy. I have basic theoretical knowledge of the properties of stones and very strong intuitive knowledge, so I choose the appropriate beads for the person and their intention.
Each rattle has a completely different sound. The sound depends on the size of the rattle head, its shape (spatiality), and the amount and weight of the filling. To find the appropriate sound for each rattle, I test its sound by pouring sea stones, mountain crystals, various types of seeds, metal balls, into the rattle head, and choose the filling that I hear as the most resonant, full, and deep.
Before I join the stick with the rattle head, I put intentional herbs inside it. It is a time when I am with the intentions with which I want to call a particular rattle. I immerse myself in the intentions of the person who ordered a personalized rattle or in my intentions regarding the Creativity or Wild Rattles. I try to embody what the intentions are about, feel their fulfillment in the body and emotionally, and from this place I fold herbs carrying certain qualities. In the case of Creativity rattles, I use female sage and lavender for intentions, and for wild rattles, I use mountain crystals and sage, and sometimes palo santo.
The height of the rattles varies from 20 to 30 cm and with feathers even up to 45 cm. The diameter of the heads ranges from 6 to 15 cm. The rattles in the KREATYWNOŚĆ line have smaller, round heads, while the Dzikusy rattles are larger and more massive. Each rattle from the outlet or SIMPLE line is different, so you can see them beforehand. The dimensions of a personalized rattle are determined with the client.
The skin of the rattles and the sticks are covered with a mixture of natural oils that protect them from moisture (with the exception of Dzikusy rattles, which are not coated but are made of thicker, more resistant leather). However, if the rattle is exposed to high humidity (e.g. a sweat lodge, heavy rain, sauna) or prolonged exposure to moisture (e.g. left outside on wet autumn days), its head may become moist and lose its hardness. If such soft skin is pressed, it will become deformed. Therefore, it is best to avoid taking the rattle to places with very high humidity and not leave it outside for long periods during the autumn-winter season. If your rattle becomes soft, shape it while wet and let it dry by a slightly warm stove or radiator.
If you notice that small sand particles are coming out of your rattle, there is no need to worry. This is a residue of sand used to form the rattles that remains on their walls. Hitting the rattle causes the sand particles to spill out. This may last for a few hours of use but will stop eventually.
Do not hit the rattle against hard surfaces or squeeze its head, as this could cause the head to dent.
The cost of repairing an instrument ranges from 100 to 200 PLN. If you need such a service, send me an email with photos of the rattle.
Feathers and beads attached to the rattle may be damaged or fall off if the rattle is subjected to prolonged injuries and/or strong vibrations. This is a natural wear and tear process.
