This flute is decorated in the Woodland tradition using the curvilinear forms inspired by the forest environment.  The Native people who lived in these vast eastern forests were inspired by the trees, leaves, and animal life of their home.  These forms appear in their painting and needlework designs.  We often see curving lines, which were inspired by contact with the Europeans during the colonial period.  European needleworkers were designing flowery images that the native craftspeople found interesting.  This influence is felt in the Native American motifs since the time of that contact in the 1600’s.

MATERIALS:
Matte Acrylic Spray
Several colors of acrylic paint
Detail brush, medium sized brush for large areas
Black fine point permanent marker, pencil for planning
Water, do not let paint dry in your brushes
masking tape to block off areas
White glue, non-soluble after drying
Leather strips, or ribbons, raffia, beads, feathers, personal objects to hang

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Mask off area to be prepared for paint, if desired.
2. Spray acrylic coating to surface so paint will adhere well.
3. Draw your personal designs with marker or pencil.
4. Paint colors into your drawing, let dry.
5. Enhance details with marker and paint, as desired.
6. Let dry, then spray with acrylic sealer.  Dry overnight.
7. Ornament with leather or ribbon ties decorated with beads, feathers, sticks, fur or natural souvenirs from your favorite place.  Secure knots and tied objects with dots of glue.  Dry overnight.

For designing ideas:  Look at the art of the Algonquin, Seminole and Cherokee tribes.  Refer to:  Authentic Indian Designs, M. Naylor, Dover Publications, 1975 American Indian Art, N. Freder, Abrams, N.Y., 1965

 

     Native artists have always had a high regard for individuality in art.  Let your own imagination inspire your own vision as you design your Plains Flute.  Look at nature around you and make up your own celebration of it.  Hang sticks from your favorite spot from leather, ribbon or raffia strands.  Be yourself, honor the environment in your flute, and honor the Native Americans and yourself with your individuality!

Materials:
Matte acrylic spray
Several colors of acrylic paint
Detail brush, medium sized brush for large areas
Black fine point permanent marker, pencil for planning
Water, do not let paint dry in your brushes
Masking tape to block off areas
White glue, non-soluble after drying
Leather strips, or ribbons, raffia, beads, feathers, personal objects to hang

Instructions:
1. Mask off area to be prepared for paint, if desired.
2. Spray acrylic coating to surface so paint will adhere well.
3. Draw your personal designs with marker or pencil.
4. Paint colors into your drawing and let dry.
5. Enhance details with marker and paint, as desired.
6. Let dry, then spray with acrylic sealer.  Dry overnight.
7. Ornament with leather or ribbon ties decorated with beads, feathers, sticks, fur or natural souvenirs from your favorite place.  Secure knots and tied objects with dots of glue.  Dry overnight.
 

For designing ideas:  Look at the art of the Sioux, Cheyenne, and other Plains tribes. Refer to:  Authentic Indian Designs, M. Naylor, Dover Publications, 1975 American Indian Art, N. Freder, Abrams, N.Y., 1965
 

     This flute is decorated in a highly personal, free style.  It is about the voice of the flute, with small birds in clouds as though the artist is responding to a personal vision of the music.  The birds are actually made out of the finger print of the flute’s owner as a highly personal signature on the instrument.  Native artists have often decorated their world with personal motifs obtained from dreams and visions.
 

 

     Native artists have always had a high regard for individuality in art.  Let your own imagination inspire your own vision as you design your Freestyle Flute.  Look at nature around you and make up your own celebration of it.  Hang sticks or feathers from your favorite natural place from leather, ribbon, or raffia strands.  Be yourself, honor the environment in your flute, and honor the Native Americans and yourself with your individuality!

Materials:
Matte acrylic spray
Several colors of acrylic paint
Detail brush, medium sized brush for large areas
Black fine point permanent marker, pencil for planning
Water, do not let paint dry in your brushes
Masking tape to block off areas
Self-inked stamp pad to print thumbs and fingertips with
White glue, non-soluble after drying
Leather strips, or ribbons, raffia, beads, feathers, personal objects to hang

Instructions:
1. Mask off area to be prepared for paint, if desired.
2. Spray acrylic coating to surface so paint will adhere well.
3. Draw your personal designs with marker or pencil, or lay down white paint
4. Print thumb and finger prints, draw other detail with markers, let dry.
5. Enhance details with marker and paint, as desired.
6. Let dry, then spray with acrylic sealer.  Dry overnight.
7. Ornament with leather or ribbon ties decorated with beads, feathers, sticks, fur or natural souvenirs from your favorite place.  Secure knots and tied objects with dots of glue.  Dry overnight.  Remove masking tape shields.
 

For designing ideas: Look at the personal protection shields of Plains Indian warriors. Refer to:  Authentic Indian Designs, M. Naylor, Dover Publications, 1975 American Indian Art, N. Freder, Abrams, N.Y., 1965