Key Books
The Complete Book Of Gourd Craft

“This book covers growing, harvesting, and curing as well as crafting and finishing....The projects, are artistic and imaginative and cover all techniques of dealing with gourds.”—Library Journal. “Lots of inspiring gourd crafting techniques and ideas—I highly recommend The Complete Book of Gourd Craft...its 300 color photos... depict many...amazing things you can create...plenty of detailed information.”—Organic Gardening.

Doodling Borders for Wood Burning, Gourds, & Drawing

This book takes you step-by-step through the process of drawing twenty-five patterns for wood burning and gourd decoration—with different variations and shading techniques—and applying and adapting the patterns with an easy drawing method.  Beginning and master gourd artists will find inspiration for designs here, beyond the limited selection offered by clip art and transfers.

Key Webpages

The American Gourd Society - The American Gourd Society promotes interest in all activities relating to gourds: cultivation and artistic shape manipulation, historical uses, gourd show competition, craftwork, and artistic decoration.  While it provides access to multiple resources - at present the webpages themselves are woefully crafted an in need of an overhaul. 

Arizona Gourds Website of Bonnie Gibson, well respected gourd crafter as well as book author.  Her book - Gourds: Southwest Gourd Techniques & Projects from Simple to Sophisticated, is a must have for any gourd crafter.

The Sawdust Connection The Sawdust Connection is a great source for all things related to pyrography.  Featuring a wide vairiety of tools, resources, and tutorials - if you have a question on general pyrography - there is a decent chance the answer is here.  In addition, check out our own resource on gourd pyrography woodburners here.

GourdDepot Sure we'll toot our own horn.  We are trying to post a wide variety of content that will be valuable for both the newcomer to the hobby, as well as seasoned crafters.

Most Eye Catching Crafts

Gourd Luminaries  Few things can catch a person's eye like a gourd luminary.  They immediately catch the eye, even when they aren't lit - but when the room lights go out, and the luminary goes on - well don't be surprised when you hear the sharp intake of breath.  Luminaries are great, because they "scale" with skill level.  A beginner crafter can create a nice piece of work, and as they techniques grow and expand - the detail and depth of the luminary will grow with them.

Gourd Banjos - We are working on this piece now.  Much like a luminary, a gourd banjo immediately draws the eyes to it.  Not only will fellow gourders and wood workers appreciate the craftsmanship, but you can expect your fair share of compliments from musicians as well.  Check out Romero Banjos and you'll see what I mean.