Drum GAllery

Handcrafted at the intersection of rhythm and Form, my custom ceramic drums are individually sculpted and tuned to create one-of-a-kind instruments that sound as beautiful as they look.

Looking to purchase drums? Visit the Drum Lounge

Journey of a custom drum

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. 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 Middle-Eastern, Turkish and Eastern European traditions. Worldwide, the family of “goblet drums” is common and includes the West African djembe. The form’s dynamic shape, going from wide to thin, creates a broad spectrum of tones on a single head, with bass projection provided by the cone-shaped tail.

Each “HeatherDrum” begins as a carefully thrown vessel, shaped by hand and refined with simple tools. Through carving, layering, and detailed surface work, the pottery is transformed into a functional instrument — tuned by its shape, weight, and wall thickness to bring both sound and sculpture into harmony.

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.

(click below for free download)

Drum Care & Resource Guide

Thanks for visiting!

Heather-Drums availability

“Pro” and “Large” size drums 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.
(August 2025 in stock: 1 x Pro, 1 x Large)

“Medium” drums are finished with goatskin. One in stock, made of terracotta clay with bubbly charcoal “Lava” effect glaze.

“Tiny” drums, small but mighty, are Moroccan-style hand drums that are often played in ensembles. They are cute and have a slight snare on the inside. Make a little set and find all the fun that polyrhythm can be!
(Aug 2025 on the shelf: Lava + Red, Purple, or Seafoam Green.

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.

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

Selected past work

My first drum was made in the Summer of 2000! I learned in Chicago, and then from other drummakers I’ve met over time. 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!