In part one of How to Create a Gourd Patch, we talked about the initial steps of forming a group of like-minded people with the intent to create your own local gourd patch. Now that hopefully you have some prospective members to form that initial core group - it is time to get everyone together and talk about the vision of the group.
One of the staples for your toolbench is going to be a jigsaw. But of the jigsaws on the market – which is the best jigsaw for gourds? Let us see if we can’t help narrow it down.
When we were evaluating the jigsaws we looked at these criteria:Continue reading
While most of were preparing for Holy Week and Passover, the Alabama Gourd Society in Clanton, Alabama were holding the 4th annual March Gourd Madness show at the Clanton Conference Center.
Joyanna Love of the The Clanton Advertiser has the full story.
Credit: Joyanna Love/Clanton Advertiser
Some of the highlights include Becky Cox-Rodgers teaching attendees how to create a marbleized look on gourds using enamel paints suspended in water.
Enamels and other oil based paints are not soluble in water. That means they will float on water. Using this character of enamel paints can produce very unique designs on water surface which could be transferred to gourds.
Becky was using egg shaped gourds to mimic Easter Eggs, but the technique could be used to decorate larger gourds, and other types of art as well. Here is a brief tutorial demonstrating the technique on a pot: Check Amazon for any number of enamel paints – but the ones we listed have the highest Amazon reviews we have been able to locate 4.7 out 5 Stars.
Other demonstrations for the show included, a class taught by Mary Pearson using pine needles to create a decorative trim and Lynn Marino featuring “lace” carving techniques on gourds.
The 2019 March Gourd Madness show has already been scheduled for March 22nd – 23rd It will be the 5th year of the show. Questions regarding the show can be sent to Mack Gothard at gothardgourdgarden@gmail.com
If you would like to learn more about gourd festivals check out our Events page. If you’d like to have your event listed, you can fill out the form, or simply contact us directly.