Shining Fox Creations
Native American style flutes created with
intent and inspiration from Mother Earth
Flute making workshops
run throughout the year. Please follow link below for more information
If you’re interested in having a flute crafted for yourself or as a gift for another, you can find more information through the link below.
Current custom flute order wait time is
6 Weeks
You’ll find both available flutes and previously sold pieces in the Online Shop. Each listing includes photos and sound recordings, giving you a deeper sense of the craftsmanship, tone, and spirit within each flute
My Story
Rikk Smith
Music joined me on my path through life at an early age with piano and drums and is still very much with me today. It was in the 1990’s when my journey with the Native American flute began. I was living in California at the time and a very good friend of mine was a Native American Story teller and flute player. He lived on the Navaho Nation reservation in Arizona with his wife and children and it was from him that I first learned to play and make these wonderful instruments. I still have and often play the first flute we ever made together. I continue to make flutes in much the same way as I did then, using simple hand tools and fire just as our ancestors have done for at least 40,000 years and I hope that the flutes I create sound familiar to them. Currently I spend much of my time creating these beautiful instruments as well as giving workshops on how to make and play them. I often have a flute with me when I am out in nature and will always play to what inspires me in that moment for that moment from my heart. And so my journey continues with music as my constant companion, teacher and communicator throughout this remarkable life.
Custom Orders and Flutes for sale
Custom Orders
If you are interested in having a flute custom made I invite you to send me a message via the Contact Page. I will then reach out to arrange a convent time to have a more in depth chat. For more information on my process, wait times and costs please see below.
Here are some of the flutes I have custom made for people. (Click on image to enlarge)
Flutes For Sale
I primarily create flutes by commission, but occasionally I craft unique pieces for direct sale. When available, these flutes will be featured in the Online Shop.
My Journey of Crafting Flutes
My journey of crafting flutes always begins with inspiration and it was my teacher of who showed me how important it is to look at life this way. Before I begin making a flute I just look around me with all my senses and there will always be something in the natural world that will stand out and fill me with joy. There is beauty everywhere. We just have to “see”. This beauty is my inspiration and will be a big part of the creation story of the flute. While I am working, which for me is a very meditative and relaxing process I am feeling and learning from that beauty which initially inspired me. I am also feeling and learning from the flute I am creating. They are all unique and have their own story of which I am only one part. I name each flute I craft and this name comes from our shared journey of inspiration.
Custom Flutes
When I am creating a custom flute for someone it is a journey which we embark on together. I like to involve people right from the very beginning with a chat about some physical characteristics about the flute and most importantly their inspiration and intention. That inspiration along with my own will then be woven into the creation story of the flute. It's amazing how often they actually sing with the voice of that which inspired them. I also really enjoy sharing photos, videos and recordings throughout the whole journey. Custom flute orders are completed in the order they’re received. Wait times range from 1 month to 12 months depending on the length of the current list and this is changing all the time. Every flute is handcrafted with patience and intention, allowing their voice to emerge naturally and beautifully. In our initial conversation we will discuss a completion date for the flute. Approximate current wait times are also posted here on the home page. A general guide to the cost of the flutes I create is between £300 and £350. For drone flutes it’s around £450. All flutes come with my written account their creation story and the inspiration shared along the way. They also come with beautiful cloth case so you can feel safe bringing your flute with you wherever you go and all the flutes I create come with a lifetime guarantee.
Workshops
Flute Making Workshops
Running flute making workshops is one of my favourite things to do and they take place throughout the year. Each workshop takes about 5 hours. You will be guided through the process of making your own bamboo or river cane Native American style flute flute by hand much in the same way I create my own flutes. I keep the groups small (max 5 people) so that each person can be given enough attention to successfully make a beautiful sounding, looking and feeling flute. It’s always a friendly informal atmosphere and anyone from the age of 10 to 110 will be able to create one. No special skills or materials are necessary. Just the desire to create something special with your hands. The cost of the workshop is £160 per person. Please check the Events page to see if a workshop is being run in your area. If not then please get in touch through the Contact page if you are interested in joining a workshop with details of where you are in the world. This way I can know where to schedule upcoming events.
Events
For more information please visit the Workshops page. If you are interested in having me play at an event, ceremony, hand fasting, wedding etc. then please do get in touch via the Contact page.
Music
Music
Music
I am very proud to present my debut album of Native American flute music, Songs of the Heart. It was an incredible experience to make. From the very beginning of my journey with this instrument so many years ago the most important thing I ever learned was to always play from my heart. Still to this day, whenever I play a song, it is the voice of the emotions I am feeling at that moment as I am inspired by what is around me. With every song I feel more closely connected with everything everywhere and I am always giving thanks through the music for all that Mother Earth provides and teaches us. The songs come out of me as I feel them as they continue on their way to the stars. This project was about recording these special moments in life just as they happened. Each song for me is like a journey and I sometimes travel quite far when I am playing this music. It is my hope that in hearing this album the listener will feel a strong connection with Mother Earth and journey someplace within themselves that is filled with beauty. I also hope that these songs will inspire people to give thanks and respect in there own way to this beautiful planet of which we are just one part of.
Gallery
