Gourd Depot Blog
Gourd Tutorials and Resources
Gourd Tutorials and Resources
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.
Gourd Art Supplies – Build A Toolbox
Gourd Art Supplies
In our last two articles we have focused on how to create a gourd patch. Hopefully that article has proven helpful and you and your gourdpatch have had some success in meeting in small groups. As an extension to that discussion – we want to address what gourd art supplies should you have available for a new member or recommend to a new member. Perhaps you’ve recruited some interested crafters that have never picked up a gourd in their life – We’d like to talk about what the best gourd art supplies you could suggest for them to begin filling in their tool box.
Good, Better, Best – Gourd and Wood Working Masks
Why You Need A Gourd Dust Mask or Respirator
I know that this isn't one of the most exciting or artsy topics to go over, but given the potential hazards of working with fine particulates, fumes from wood burning, as well as other nastys that become exposed when you open up a gourd, it is important to take steps to protect yourself while working with gourds. While it is certainly fun to find the best woodburner or best jigsaw - taking a few minutes of research now for your long term health, is going to be well worth it. Take a moment or two to find the best gourd working dust mask or respirator
Alcohol Inks for Gourds – A Great Change Up, But Not For Everyday Use
If you are like me, one of the greatest benefits of working with gourds, is realizing you can look at a single gourd, and imagine countless projects you can do with it. Wood burning, carving, weaving, and of course painting to name a few. Of course most of us are familiar in using acrylics and oil based paints - but if you are looking to break out of the routine of set lines and patterns - alcohol based paints may be for you. This guide will provide a list of supplies so you can start using alcohol inks for gourds. These inks allow you to let the art take shape, and instead of being bound by set patterns and lines - you'll find that you are merely a passenger as the art goes in the direction it sees fit.
Exquistie Handcrafted Gourd Lamps – My Modern Met
Equisitie Gourd Lamps – by Kubilius
Not many of us will get the chance to take a fantastic hobby and turn it into anything more than that. Sure, we may sell a few gourd birdhouses or gourd lamps at a market – but replacing a full time income, and taking that required leap of faith – well that is something altogether different.
How to Make a Gourd Lamp or Luminary
How to Make Your own Gourd Lamp or Gourd Luminary
Of all the projects we've seen - one of the favorites has got to be the gourd lamp or gourd luminary if you prefer. Seeing the gourd lamp light up a room is something to be seen if you've not had the pleasure of seeing one up close. It really is breathtaking. In this article we will walk you through how to make a gourd lamp. The size, style, and scope of the lamp is at the sole discretion of the artist without any real limitations as to what can be done. A mix of hand tools and power tools can be used, as well as variety of light sources. This can be a great gourdpatch project that, if seen through completion, could be used as a fundraiser, if your patch was willing to part with their works of art.
Let's start with the basics of how to get this project going.
5 Great Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts for the She-Shack
Mother’s Day Gifts for the She Shack
Ok - so the term "man cave" has been around for quite some time. The male sanctuary takes many forms/themes based on the interests of the male occupants. However - males are not alone in their desires to have a semi-priave lair. "She-Shacks" or "She-Sheds" - now are popular additions to houses. Again, the scope and contents of these she-shacks are only limited by the desires of their occupants. With Mother's Day quickly approaching - we thought we'd pay homage to the "She-Shack" and suggest some Mother's Day Gifts for the She-Shack.
No matter what the theme of the particular She Shack - there are some definitely commonalities that you can shop for. Now while we believe that the mother day gift ideas are perfect for any she shack - we want to stay true to our crafting roots and suggest those that will work great in a she shack craft room or similarly designed she shed.
In no particular order:
How to Create A Gourd Patch Part II
How to Create a Gourd Patch Part II
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.