Gourd Goddess

Looped Gourd

2011-07-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

One way to embellish a gourd is by looping it with wire or thread. So here is a gourd I just started working on. I've never tried embroidery thread and it seems to be going a lot slower than when I used linen or hemp. I'll have to keep you posted on how it's coming along.

Making a Gourd Scoop

2011-07-05T14:04:00.000-07:00


When I flipped this warty gourd over it had a crack running horizontally through it.

So I decided to cut it in half and keep the good half to make a scoop.


Since the warts make it look interesting, I'm leaving it as it is. When you purchase gourds, clean them well, make sure they are dry, and store them indoors in a cool dry place. This gourd was left outside in the weather and when I flipped it over it had a long vertical crack. I was able to cut it in half and use the good part for a scoop. Even though many cultures have used gourds for centuries to eat from I think I'll just use this for non-food uses, like scooping lavender into sachets or scooping birdseed into juggling balls. Some people are allergic to gourd dust, so I'd hate to sell it to someone and have them use it to scoop their oatmeal or flour and then have an allergic reaction. But that's a whole 'nother subject.

Turning a Gourd Into a Pouch

2011-07-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

My friend Sal gets the credit for this next project. It's based on a gourd he brought back from Mexico. See the photo of it at the top of the page.

For this project I needed a gourd that could be turned into a little bowl. The first one I picked up had a good shape, but when I flipped it over it had a long lengthwise crack. Rats. But I figured I could save half of it and make a scooper for birdseed or lavender or something.

But I'm glad I kept looking because then I found a gourd in my stash that was a twofer. I was able to cut it in half and make 2 bowls. I used my gourd saw, but a hand saw would have worked.

After I cleaned it inside and out, and sanded it, I drilled holes around the rim with a Dremel drill. Then I did pyrography petroglyphs. In other words, I used a wood burning tool to draw 2 lizards in a petroglyph style. And on the other bowl I put a cat line drawing. I thought part of the appeal was to keep it really basic and primitive looking. My boyfriend looked at them and said, "The art is too basic." Sigh. We always have different visions for things. Simplistic was my goal. I feel like the crochet is going to add yet another element, so I wanted to keep the art basic.

Next I will apply a clear finish over the art, because when I do the crochet part, I don't want the overspray to go on the string. If you look at the photos this will make a lot more sense. I think I am done with this project for today so stay tuned.

Cleaned bottle gourd.

The top and the bottom of the gourd. I saved the middle part for another project.

I used a drill to put the holes for the thread to go through.

lizard and cat in pyrograpyhy

Freyja Gourd Pyrography

2011-01-28T23:18:00.000-08:00

Tonight I find myself doing some research on the Norse Goddess Freyja http://www.valkyrietower.com/freyja.html. First True Thomas was telling a story at Angel's Melee and chose me to be Freyja (that's what I get for sitting in the front row). Then my boyfriend tells me he needs to do a Freyja gourd and wants my help. Then he told me he didn't want my help. So now I'm so fascinated with the potential of it, that tomorrow I'm going to try it myself. Let's hope my drawing skills are up to it.

I think the universe wants me to study up on Freyja. That's twice in recent days someone has involved me in a Freyja project.

Gourds and Reciept Confusion

2010-12-27T16:34:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time at the gourd farm. This time we took a different route through Fallbrook because of some road damage on the usual route. We only saw one place the road was still a bit flooded but it was no big deal. But you could see the high water line had flooded out the road a few days ago.

Mostly we got bottle gourds because they were 70% off. Even the mini gourds and the jewelry gourds were still $70 off as long as they were bottle shaped (big on top and bottom, with a smaller waist). I couldn't resist getting 3 warty gourds as well.
After the talley we went inside the shop to get everything rung up. I about had a heart attack when the cashier said the price of my gourds with the discount was almost $200. But my boyfriend kept saying she knew her job and if she said that was the total, then that was the total. So I wandered around the shop while he rang up his gourds. A bit later when the cashier went to put it on the credit card, she saw she'd rung up the 3 warty gourds as 54 warty gourds, so when she fixed that the total dropped down to about $70. Thank goodness I was right and they caught the error before I was halfway home. But how come neither one of them believed me when I said the price she first rang up couldn't possibly be right?

We also asked her to subtotal mine, and his, so I'd know how much I owed him, but when all was said and done she put the sale gourds on one receipt and everything else on the other, so I still don't know how much I owe him. We are going to have to recount and re-lable everything so I can find out whose gourds are whose. I probably got 100 gourds.

Gourd Sale At Welburn Gourd Farm

2010-12-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

According to my boyfriend, Welburn Gourd Farm is having a 70% off sale on bottle gourds. I'm sure these are the very end of last year's crop. And since we use them to make canteens, vases, and water jugs, we always need some. I use the bottle gourds for dolls, birdhouses and vases. So with any luck we'll drive out there first thing in the morning.

I hope to get some more little gourds to make gourd necklaces. I really need to show some restraint or I end up buying way too many.

Gourds and Rain

2010-12-21T21:12:00.000-08:00

I just wrote an article on crafts here: http://hubpages.com/hub/Crafts-I-Love It features some gourd art so I thought I'd mention it in this blog. I'm looking forward to exploring more pyrography.

Fish Gourd Bowl by Guy Taylor

We've been getting a lot of rain. One of the bins of gourds on the patio that is sealed against the weather was really heavy when my boyfriend tried to move it. As you know, gourds are super light, so there is no reason this should have been heavy. So he opens it and stink-o. Somehow it was filled with water. So we dumped everything on the dirt to dry again. That was before this rainstorm that's been going for four days already, so they are all wet again. I sure hope we can save most of them.

Gourds and Hubpages

2010-10-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

I've been reviewing and updating all my gourd articles on Hubpages. Hubpages has made so many improvements in the way things are catergorized and linked together, that I had to edit things to catch up with the newer features. If you don't know about Hubpages, come say hi. Hubpages . The link will take you to my gourd santa page and you can maneuver from there.

Gourd Drums and Drinking Vessels

2010-02-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

Our booth on Sunday.

The Beauty of Flaws

2010-02-13T09:50:00.000-08:00

Almost every gourd has some sort of flaw in the way of a crack, a wart, or a flat spot where it had been laying on the ground. But for many gourd artists these are the gourds they go looking for at the gourd farm. Because it is these very flaws that add character and interest to a gourd. I call them 'character flaws'.

Cracks can be laced up or used as doorways and windows. Indentations can be used as a place to inset a special stone or gem. Lumps and bumps can indicate facial features, animal horns, or distressed marks.

Severely damaged gourds can still be cut into bits to use for pendants, earrings, or parts to add on to other gourds as ears, beaks, or feet. Let your imagination roam free as to how best to use your 'character flaws'.

Canteen gourd with interesting cracks.

This burl like texture was from the gourd resting on the ground.

This is a sock monkey swing.

The gourd had a crack that was decorated and strenghtened using artificial sinew.

The back of the gourd was very thin so I cut it out to form this window for the monkey's tail.

Here is the jester monkey sitting in his gourd swing.

Quick Demo w/ Brewer's Pitch

2010-02-12T16:56:00.001-08:00

Use great care when working with melted brewer's pitch. It was so hot steam was coming out of the gourd and one stray drop melted a hole right through the plastic drop cloth underneath.

Working With Brewer's Pitch

2010-02-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

Vessels holding fluid work better if coated with something. Here we used brewer's pitch to coat the inside of some gourd pitchers.

My Boyfriend's Gourd Projects

2010-01-26T12:05:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend has been working on gourd drums and gourd pitchers. I love the wood burning he did on the lettering. His style is very different than mine. On the table you can see the wood burner.
He has his own gourd blog here: http://greenmangourds.blogspot.com/

Gourd Drum

2010-01-15T23:54:00.000-08:00

I worked on a gourd drum today that I'd already dyed yellow and red. As I was cleaning out the interior a bit better, I found a bunch of tiny spiders inside. I guess they'd made it their nest. It seems insects like the pithy interior of gourds. That part gets removed when you clean it, but I've found some bugs like to burrow inside it.
My hands gave out before I was done sanding the top and bottom level. The rest of it will have to wait for another day.

Gourd Nativity Scene

2010-01-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

Two days before Christmas I get an insane idea to make a Nativity Scene out of gourds, including the people. It was a present. I barely got it done in time. The clear acrylic spray was still slightly tacky. For inside the 'stable' I used raffia cut into bits. First I tried putting long pieces in there but that was too springy. I used a bit of natural color roving to set the sheep and wisemen on, and I used a wee bit of white roving for under the baby Jesus.

The woman I made it for loved it. And that's what mattered.

The Welburn Gourd Farm is having a clearance of last year's gourds right now for 50% off, so we are planning a trip out there in a day or two. Hit hard by the recession, they even have a 75% off voucher on their website right now, but you have to spend $200 for the privilege and we just don't need that many gourds sitting around.

Greenman Gourds: Gourds!

2009-11-10T15:05:00.000-08:00

Greenman Gourds: Gourds! My boyfriend just took some photos of many of his fantastic gourds and put them on his new gourd blog. Check it out.

The Horses Are Ready

2009-10-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

I got my horse gourd vase finished and listed on Etsy today. It should show up in my shop to the right. I can't believe how I have so many things to list, yet can't seem to get around to it. But today the weather is beautiful and I'm home on a Saturday so I took it outside and took photos.

A New Gourd Doll

2009-09-28T00:37:00.000-07:00

I started making this doll a few months ago. I like it so far. I really do. I'm just not sure where to go from here. Yarn hair? Wire hair? Paint in the face with acrylics? Leave it primitive looking? Oh well I'll come up with something. I've done the pyrography on it.

Gourd Rain Stick Build Along

2009-09-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

Part One and Part Two

I grew this snake gourd in my garden and was hoarding it to make something special. Then I decided it would be just right for a rain stick. I really enjoyed this project even if it was rather labor intensive. Now I just need to join a drum circle or something so I have a chance to play it in a real environment.
I'm getting quite the collection of weird gourd instruments. I'm made a didjeridoo, some rattles, a guiro, a drum, and now a rain stick.

Update: I have no idea why Youtube videos suddenly stopped working on my blogs, even the ones that were my own productions. Until I figure this out, I apologize for the inconvenience.

Horse and Purse Build Along Part 2

2009-08-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

Today I worked on my horse gourd vase again. I touched up the ink dyes, then I used the heat activated glue to put on the metal leafing over the sun. Looks pretty snazzy. I cut some sisal to go around the brim. I need to sew on a Buffalo Head Nickle button. But then I realized that I need to paint the interior black first. I bought spray paint for that very purpose a week ago and I can't find it today. ARGH.

I also dyed the exterior of the gourd purse. I used butterscotch and berry ink dyes blended together with a white felt square. Then I dribbled rubbing alcohol on it. That came out pretty interesting so I went ahead and heat set it with the heat gun. The next thing I have to do on that is add a leather hinge.

I want to make a cowgirl gourd too. That was is still being working on by my subconscious mind. It's for the Zombie Nanner Gang theme 'Lonesome Cowgirl'. But I haven't had time to sketch it out yet so it will have to wait until later. So much to do, so little time.

Gourd Artist

2009-08-12T00:23:00.001-07:00

Youtube has a wealth of videos about gourd art. Here is one I found tonight.

Gourd Purse Build Along Part 1

2009-08-11T19:21:00.001-07:00

I just started a gourd purse. I was about ready to clean a canteen gourd when my boyfriend handed me one he'd already cleaned inside and out and painted the interior. So I was able to decoupage the insides before it got dark. I'll let that dry overnight and then give it 2 more coats.

One photo is of the decorative paper I added to the interior, plus the clear medium, and the pre-painted gourd.

The others are of the interior as I was adding the collage with a foam brush.

Pyrography on Gourds

2009-08-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

I just wrote an article on pyrography on gourds here: Gourd It has lots of photos.

Wild Horse Trotting Around a Gourd Vase

2009-08-01T22:35:00.000-07:00

Last night my boyfriend was making a paleo style bowl and had just woodburned a curly horned ram on it. I said it sure would be neat to do a horse, so I sketched up some horses. They weren't really the style he needed, so I slept on it, and this morning I just couldn't bear to waste those horse sketches. So I got some of the new pyrography paper we just got and traced the best of the horses onto it. I selected a gourd that would make a good vase and set out to work sawing off the top and cleaning it for woodburning. It was very satisfying seeing my drawings come to life on the gourd. Then I got to experiment with the new ink dyes we got. The Gourdmaster ones were so much better than the other brand we bought. In fact the other brand left streaks and dried so quickly I could barely get in onto the gourd before it dried. The Gourdmaster inks stayed wet a long time and covered up the streaks from the first inks. Unfortunately we spent $30.00 on the other inks. If my boyfriend hadn't already opened all three packages (each with three bottles) I would have returned them the next chance I got. Maybe they work great on some things, but not on gourds.

I already drilled holes around the rim of the gourd because I either want to sew on pine needles or raffia around the brim. And I think I have a buffalo head nickle button around here that I can sew on to the front. But tomorrow is another day and it's time to wind down now.

My Heart

2009-07-29T23:47:00.001-07:00

Check out the new gourd art my boyfriend just finished. http://greenmanarchery.blogspot.com/2009/07/new-gourd-art.html

Gourd Hand Saw

2009-07-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

We got a new gourd saw and I must say it's making my life so much easier. It's given me a renewed interest in gourd crafting. Yesterday I even dug out a gourd lamp I started a few years ago. I just got tired of all the hand sawing. So I flip it over and it had a spider inside and also silverfish. Yuck. So I learned something new...silver fish like to eat the papery part on the inside of a cut gourd.

So I used the new cleaning ball to get the papery part removed, and removed the spider of course, and then I cut out a lot more bits with the new gourd hand saw. It was fun. I also cut out a fairy gourd house with doors and windows, and I started working on my rain stick gourd I'm making from a snake gourd that I grew in my garden.

I'm having a blast. As soon as I have breakfast, I'm going to go work on my gourds some more.

New Gourd Inks

2009-07-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

Welburn Gourd Farm is offering an opportunity to have your gourd art featuring their new meallic gourd inks featured on their website with a link to your website. To find out what it's all about sign up for their free newsletter. We picked up some of their inks when we went there last week, and I haven't tried them yet, so here is my opportunity. A new adventure in gourd art!

Gourd Necklace Display

2009-07-13T23:29:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show off this gourd necklace display I made for showing off my necklaces. I found a big gourd that would stand by itself and painted it black. Or if you make one, you can leave it the natural color which looks a lot like skin. I try to find unique ways to display my jewelry because so many others use the same store bought displays. After painting the gourd, it's finished with a matt spray to protect it from scratches.

Field Trip to Welburn Gourd Farm

2009-07-10T21:42:00.001-07:00

Photos from the Welburn Gourd Farm we visited today. Perfect weather, white puffy cirrus clouds and hardly a soul there on a Friday morning. They've got a much bigger store too, with new inks, dyes, and other products specifically designed with gourd artists in mind. And generous too. When a gourd was a bit too big for one price ring, he often gave us the lower price and he didn't need to do that. His name is Danny and he's been working there for five years.

We each got some big gourds for drums, plus some assorted gourds for other projects or just because they looked too cool to resist. I got some nice dipper gourds too.

Welburn just had a big gourd festival in June so I thought the inventory might have been picked over, but to my surprise every bin was filled as full as you can imagine. Enough to break the bank if you get too carried away.

They do mail order, but there is no substitute for hand picking your own gourds.

Gourd Inventory

2009-07-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

Since my boyfriend wants to go to the gourd farm on Friday, he asked me to inventory our gourd stash. After moving bag after bag of gourds, I was surprised I hadn't seen any spiders. Lots of dust but no spiders. I decided to move one more big gourd that had been on the bottom of the pile, and just had a feeling that that was the one. I spun it around by the stem, and there was the grandmother of all black widows on that sucker. I splatted it with my shoe along with an egg sack. Ick.

Anyway, if anyone wants to pre-order a witch or santa gourd give me a holler. I'm going to start putting them in my Etsy Shop soon for the holidays, and I may as well start on yours first. Savvy?

New Gourd Art Angels

2009-03-08T21:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I painted 3 gourds. I need to get them finished and into my shop because I don't want them sitting around outside for too long. They are durable, but not if exposed to the weather for a long time. Best to clean them, and keep them indoors. I have so many more to paint. I've been a slacker. Why on earth did I buy so many? Because I thought they would sell, that's why. But I should have just bought a dozen and tested the market.

The desert scene was inspired by a trip we took to Quartzsite AZ.

My boyfriend just started making a bowl out of one and is woodburning petroglyphs on it. It looks amazing.

Gourd Art

2009-01-22T13:00:00.000-08:00

My current gourd listings on Etsy just in case you were curious. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19005495

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=19005234

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=9011802

Listing Gourds

2008-12-19T09:10:00.001-08:00

I just brought a box of finished gourds into the house so I can finally get them listed on artfire or Etsy. Since my computer is in the shop I'll have to take new photos of everything and put them on my boyfriend's hard drive and then onto my shop sites.

Gourd Skully Mask

2008-10-18T23:07:00.000-07:00

I had prepared this gourd for painting ages ago and just happened to see it sitting in a box today and I already had the paints out so I started painting it for Day of the Dead. Next I want to put an eyepatch over the other eye, where the natural markings already resemble a scarred eye socket.

Woodburning on Gourds

2008-10-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

Once again I'm itching to do some gourd pyrography. I need to clean off my drawing table because I need a flat and secure surface for the wood burning tools. Can't have things sliding off when they are hot on the end. If you ever do woodburning you always have to be mindful of where the hot tips are. My burner has 2 tips that are hot at the same time. And I have cats so I always have to keep an eye on them too. If you have children underfoot be especially careful as they often grab without thinking.

2008-09-08T11:56:00.001-07:00

I just signed up for Tagfoot. http://ping.fm/lfV6m Come see all my links and comments and my wishlist.

2008-08-31T22:36:00.001-07:00

Want to join ping.fm too? Go to http://www.ping.fm.Use the code 'legendofping' and you could have the luxury of posting to all your blogs in one fell swoop like I do. Way more efficient than doing it one by one.

2008-08-31T22:34:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure what 'ping my default' means but I guess I'll find out when I hit send.

2008-08-28T13:39:00.001-07:00

The week sure went by quick. I had a lot more planned but didn't have the energy to do it. My hands are still sore from woodcarving, and so I've had to lay off the knitting and crocheting. I'm looking forward to the weekend. My daughter may visit. We'll see.

2008-08-27T10:08:00.001-07:00

Come view my Flickr photo stream. Over 3000 photos I've taken are waiting there for your pleasure. http://ping.fm/3TTAi

2008-08-27T09:53:00.001-07:00

I just signed up for Ping.fm to make social networking more effiecient.

Cat gourd

2008-07-05T17:04:00.001-07:00

I'm working on a wood burning project featuring cartoon cats on a canteen gourd.

Farm on Gourd

2008-02-24T20:56:00.000-08:00

Today I painted a landscape farm scene on a bottle gourd.

Cleaning more gourds

2008-02-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

I'm getting more gourds ready for art projects.

Some of my new gourd art.

2008-01-18T17:12:00.000-08:00

I finally got some of my gourd art listed in my online shop. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9011802
Hope you enjoy it.

Remember my African Dancer Gourd?

2007-03-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

I was grocery shopping when who should we run into but the lady I made the African Dancer gourd for. I'd never met her in real life but she thanked me profusely for giving her the gourd. She was very exhuberant. Always nice to have a happy fan!

Reminder: Gourd Art Display

2007-03-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

Many of my gourd art items are on display at the Buena Park Library on La Palma (near Knott's Berry Farm) until the end of April. So go check them out and check out a book or two while you are at it.

Gourd Art Display

2007-03-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

My best gourd art is on display right now at the Buena Park Public Library in S. California. You can go and see it during normal library hours. It will be on display throughout March and April 2007.

Gourd Mail Box for Kids

2006-08-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

gourd vase

2006-08-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

gourd vase
Originally uploaded by fyrefantasy.

Gourd carved in a spiral design with a green glass inlay. Dyed with leather dyes.

Making a marionette

2006-07-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

I finally figured out a project that can use the curly dipper gourds I bought. I'm making a gourd marionette. The curving dipper gourd is just right for the arm and leg sections.

Me

2006-07-13T22:52:00.000-07:00

Me
Originally uploaded by fyrefantasy.

A hot day at the gourd festival.

african dancers on gourd with beads

2006-07-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

african dancers on gourd with beads
Originally uploaded by fyrefantasy.

A gift for a friend.

Gourd Festival cont.

2006-06-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

Gourd Festival cont.

2006-06-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

Gourd Festival cont.

2006-06-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

Gourd Festival cont.

2006-06-25T19:16:00.000-07:00

Gourd Festival cont.

2006-06-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

Gourd Festival cont.

2006-06-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

Gourd Festival cont.

2006-06-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

I love the inlays on this piece.

Gourd Festival cont.

2006-06-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

Gourd Festival cont.

2006-06-25T18:28:00.000-07:00

I think this is a rabbit but I'm not entirely sure.

Gourd Festival cont.

2006-06-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

Squirrel Girl Gourds. www.squirrelgirlgourds.com

Gourd Festival

2006-06-25T18:12:00.000-07:00

A didgeridoo made from bamboo and a gourd.

Using a wood burning tool on a gourd.

International Gourd Festival

2006-06-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the 10th International Gourd Festival in Fallbrook CA and I thought I'd show you some of the photos and let them speak for themselves.

Gourd Festival June 24 and 25 in California

2006-06-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the 10th Annual Gourd Art Festival in Fallbrook, CA at the Welburn Gourd Farm. See http://www.gourdfestival.com/ for details. I hope to be there on Sat. so if you see me please come and say hello.

Snake Gourds

2006-06-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

The three long gourds on top were grown in my garden last year. The rest came from the gourd farm.

Bluebird Inn 2

2006-06-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

In the garden.

Bluebird Inn Bed & Breakfast

2006-06-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

A nesting supply station for birds.

Gourd Rune Set

2006-05-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

The inner bowl is crocheted. The runes are made of white air hardened clay and painted with ink. The design on the bowl is four Thor's Hammers.

Necklace side 2

2006-03-11T21:59:00.000-08:00

Wax resist star and moon necklace

2006-03-11T21:56:00.000-08:00

Curly Dipper Gourds

2006-03-11T21:53:00.000-08:00

Once a year the Welburn Gourd Farm brings in the new crop and has a special day for best selection. I had a good time there even though I didn't get to stay long. Here are some curly dipper gourds I got at the event.

2006-01-23T14:44:00.000-08:00

Gourd sale at Welburn Farms through Jan. 31, 2006.

More gourds to see.

2006-01-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Want to see more gourd art or post your gourd art photos? Go here: http://www.gourdexchange.com/showprofile.php?uuid=46

2005-12-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

I finally finished my gourd didgeridoo.

More inspiration.

2005-11-27T23:51:00.000-08:00

We visited the gourd farm on Sat. While we were there we picked up a 'how-to' video that gave me new ideas.
So Sat. and Sun. I worked on 2 new gourd projects, and made progress on two others I'd already started. It helped that we finally got saw blades to replace the one I broke. And I learned how to cut with the dremel tool better.
The gourd dust was bothering my sinuses after a while. I'm going to do some inlaid glass chips and I never tried that before. First I have to carve a channel with the dremel, then I have to mix some epoxy and glue down the glass.
I'm also going to make a gourd art portfolio to carry around with me. It's really hard to describe gourd art to people that don't even know what a gourd is.

2005-11-21T10:29:00.000-08:00

Gourd lamp work in progress. Leather dyes on wooden gourd with pyrography (wood burning).

2005-11-21T10:27:00.000-08:00

Mermaid box. One side has a blond mermaid and the other has a redhead mermaid.

2005-11-21T10:26:00.000-08:00

Mermaid box with red headed mermaid.

2005-11-21T10:25:00.000-08:00

Mermaid box interior with tissue paper and gold leafing.

2005-11-21T10:24:00.000-08:00

Mermaid box lid.

2005-11-21T10:16:00.000-08:00

Bat Fairy on other side.

2005-11-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

Fairy on gourd by Fayme Harper.

2005-11-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

Skull gourd for pirate camp. Acrylic on gourd. By Fayme Harper.

2005-11-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

Gourd doll pin.

2005-11-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

Red haired gourd doll with crocheted star headdress by Fayme Harper.

2005-11-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

Wild woman gourd doll made of gourd, wire, wool hair and beads.

2005-09-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

Baby snake gourd I hand pollinated. I had to pick 2 caterpillars off this one in one day!

2005-09-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

This is a baby gourd from a successful hand pollination. You can see the shriveled blossom and the raffia I tied it together with.

More photos

2005-09-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

For more photos of the guiro gourd and other gourds I've done, go to my main website here.
http://www.spiralcharms.com/gourd_art.htm

2005-09-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

A Guiro I made with 2 geckos on it.

Skeleton water bottle project.

2005-09-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

I just finished hogging out a 'lump-in-the-neck' gourd to make into a skeleton water bottle to wear with my pirate costume. Getting the seeds out isn't the hard part; it's getting the membranes out. The dry papery pieces clog the exit hole and take a lot of fussing with needlenose plyers and finger to get them out of the way.
Then I'll scrape down the sides. And then the fun begins. I'm going to paint it black with a skull on it.

Land O' Gourds welcomes you.

2005-09-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

I think I've fallen into the Land O'Gourds and I can't get out. At any rate, the gourd projects were taking over my art blog, so I am making them a new home over here.