About Me & My Workshop
My journey began with a dream of being closer to Nature…
My name is Alena (Elan Ulv is my pseudonym) and I make forest flutes, Native American style flutes and ocarinas. Here I will tell you my story behind my passion for flute making.
I yearned to escape the chaos of city life and immerse myself in the tranquility of a life closer to Nature. And now, my dream has become a reality.
Since 2017, I have been crafting flutes. There is something truly special about creating these instruments, and it brings me immense joy. I always hoped to turn my art into a livelihood, and today, I work in my own workshop, Elan Ulv Flutes.
Here, I pour my love and soul into crafting forest woodwind instruments. I welcome you to step into this beautiful world of nature creations, where you can find unique handcrafted branch flutes with a forest spirit within them.
My name is Alena (Elan Ulv is my pseudonym) and I make forest flutes, Native American style flutes and ocarinas. Here I will tell you my story behind my passion for flute making.
I yearned to escape the chaos of city life and immerse myself in the tranquility of a life closer to Nature. And now, my dream has become a reality.
Since 2017, I have been crafting flutes. There is something truly special about creating these instruments, and it brings me immense joy. I always hoped to turn my art into a livelihood, and today, I work in my own workshop, Elan Ulv Flutes.
Here, I pour my love and soul into crafting forest woodwind instruments. I welcome you to step into this beautiful world of nature creations, where you can find unique handcrafted branch flutes with a forest spirit within them.
How I Craft My Flutes
The Search for the Perfect Branch
My flute-making process begins with a journey into the forest, where I walk in search of the best samples of nice and beautifully shaped branches, to give them new life as musical instruments.
I deeply care for Nature, so for my flutes I collect only dead wood — the branches that have fallen to the ground due to storms or from trees that have dried up, so no living tree is damaged.
The Search for the Perfect Branch
My flute-making process begins with a journey into the forest, where I walk in search of the best samples of nice and beautifully shaped branches, to give them new life as musical instruments.
I deeply care for Nature, so for my flutes I collect only dead wood — the branches that have fallen to the ground due to storms or from trees that have dried up, so no living tree is damaged.
Halving and Carving the Chamber
Once collected, the branches must undergo a lengthy drying process. I let Nature take its time, allowing the wood to stabilize before I even think of cutting into it. Only then does the real work begin — the fascinating process of crafting each flute by hand. It’s a hard and time-consuming process. I do most of the work with hand tools, first cutting a branch in two halves, then shaping and carving the wood, chiseling the bore, polishing and applying wood finish to protect the flute from the inside.
Halving and Carving the Chamber
Once collected, the branches must undergo a lengthy drying process. I let Nature take its time, allowing the wood to stabilize before I even think of cutting into it. Only then does the real work begin — the fascinating process of crafting each flute by hand. It’s a hard and time-consuming process. I do most of the work with hand tools, first cutting a branch in two halves, then shaping and carving the wood, chiseling the bore, polishing and applying wood finish to protect the flute from the inside.
The Birth of the Voice
Then the two halves get married back together to reach the next and most important step – crafting the sound mechanism and tuning the flute. This is a crucial and responsible stage, and it requires a lot of concentration and time. If I make even a tiny mistake at this step, I risk ruining the whole flute.
Sound Balancing & Tuning
Every flute is professionally hand-tuned and undergoes a careful, multi-stage balancing of overtones and tonal stability. This ensures that each note you play sings with clarity and beauty, bringing joy to whoever holds the instrument. Only when I am fully satisfied with its sound do I place it on the shelves of my shop.
The Birth of the Voice
Then the two halves get married back together to reach the next and most important step – crafting the sound mechanism and tuning the flute. This is a crucial and responsible stage, and it requires a lot of concentration and time. If I make even a tiny mistake at this step, I risk ruining the whole flute.
Sound Balancing & Tuning
Every flute is professionally hand-tuned and undergoes a careful, multi-stage balancing of overtones and tonal stability. This ensures that each note you play sings with clarity and beauty, bringing joy to whoever holds the instrument. Only when I am fully satisfied with its sound do I place it on the shelves of my shop.
The Final Touch: Natural Beauty
To bring out the wood grain and enhance the flute’s innate beauty, I apply natural stains. After thorough polishing, the flute is ready for its final treatment. I use natural wood finishes like linseed oil and beeswax, layered with several coats of shellac on top, allowing the unique character of each piece to reveal itself. The result is a unique instrument that is imbued with the soul of its creator and the beauty of Nature.
Attention to Detail
A flute is more than an instrument; it is a character.
I design every element of its appearance—from the choice of adornments to the symbolic meaning behind each accessory. Every detail is chosen to tell a story, creating a cohesive concept where visual beauty and sound speak in harmony.
The Final Touch: Natural Beauty
To bring out the wood grain and enhance the flute’s innate beauty, I apply natural stains. After thorough polishing, the flute is ready for its final treatment. I use natural wood finishes like linseed oil and beeswax, layered with several coats of shellac on top, allowing the unique character of each piece to reveal itself. The result is a unique instrument that is imbued with the soul of its creator and the beauty of Nature.
Attention to Detail
A flute is more than an instrument; it is a character.
I design every element of its appearance—from the choice of adornments to the symbolic meaning behind each accessory. Every detail is chosen to tell a story, creating a cohesive concept where visual beauty and sound speak in harmony.
A Voice of Its Own
In the end, each flute develops not only its own unique voice but also a distinct character and deep meaning. I believe every one of them has a story to tell. When you play one, you can truly feel the energy of love and meditation woven into its creation.
Whether you are a musician, a collector of rare crafts, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of handmade art, I invite you to explore my collection, experience the magic of the ethnic flutecraft, and find the flute that speaks to your heart.
A Voice of Its Own
In the end, each flute develops not only its own unique voice but also a distinct character and deep meaning. I believe every one of them has a story to tell. When you play one, you can truly feel the energy of love and meditation woven into its creation.
Whether you are a musician, a collector of rare crafts, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of handmade art, I invite you to explore my collection, experience the magic of the ethnic flutecraft, and find the flute that speaks to your heart.
