Elk Rawhide and Cherry Wood Rattle

Rattle head 4"x6", handle 8.5"

Total length 14.5"

It's all too easy to get caught up in crafting ceremonial pieces, striving to add this or that in a way to open the door asking spirit to step through. Don't miss when it's already there. No fringe, no skirts, no beads, no feathers, no wrap, or strap. Getting this handle fitted, I felt that "I'm ready" being communicated. A great reminder for myself that it's not always what you do, but sometimes what you don't.

Elk skin rawhide rattle, blue & red corn fill, Black Cherry wood handle, fire-hardened, and then sealed with Cedar oil. Listing this piece tonight at Brightspirit.art

I especially love how this hide looks with the sun coming in, almost glowing. Video for sound in the comments, which also hit in a special way. I typically go with buckwheat or wild rice for filling rawhide rattles resulting in sh-sh-sh sleet type sound. But the corn with this one gives a ch-ch-ch, fire crackling, or crunching in the fall leaves sound.