Gourd Depot Blog
Best Jigsaw for Gourds
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
March Gourd Madness
March Gourd Madness a Success
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.
How To Create A Gourdpatch
How to Create A Gourdpatch
I stumbled upon a post on the American Gourd Society Facebook page regarding a reader who was moving out of their state, that had a state gourd society (Michigan), http://www.michigangourdsociety.org/ to Utah. Utah at the time of this writing currently doesn’t have a statewide gourd society. Ultimately the discussion became centered around how to create a gourdpatch.
How To Get Money For Your Gourd Festival – Part II
How to Get Money for Your Club Part II
Putting on a gourd festival costs money. In Part I it was revealed that each city and/or municipality creates a specific tax fund generated from hotels in their city. This fund is commonly known as “lodging tax.” Some areas may refer to this money as occupancy tax, hotel tax, or something else – going forward we will be referring to this money as lodging tax. The great thing about lodging tax, is that the money in that fund may only be used for tourist related facilities, marketing, and/or events.Continue reading
High Tech Gourd Speakers – (Yes You Read That Right)
High Tech Gourd Speakers
This is a very creative gourd craft and we had to go across the Pacific to find this little story – and it’s fantastic. We believe you can recreate these on your own. – and you’ve got to see this speaker in action! Check out the Video
Source: The Japan Times
Using a bottle gourd, Japanese artist Akira Takahashi has merged cutting edge sound with traditional gourd artwork. Takahashi, 67, came up with the idea of using bottle gourd after realizing the potential of natural products in re-creating sound. (Source)Continue reading
Top Spots for Gourd Seeds For Sale
Earlier this year we highlighted how and when to get your gourd seeds in the ground. Today we are going to show just where those gourd seeds for sale are, and how to get them.Continue reading
How To Get Money For Your Gourd Festival – Part I
There is a decent chance that you club is leaving money on the table. Money that could be used to help fund your state’s gourd festival. And the best part is – it really isn’t to terribly difficult to try and get it.Continue reading
Washington State Gourd Society Festival
We are sad to hear that at this time the Washington State Gourd Society Festival has been postponed indefinitely.Continue reading
March Gourd Madness
Step into spring by attending March Gourd Madness. This 2 day event on March 23rd and 24th will offer a variety of free demonstrations, classes, and a variety of gourd art vendors and gourd art supply. Attending the event is free, but some of the classes do have a nominal charge.
The Chilton County Arts Council is one of the show’s sponsors. In December of 2017, the Art’s Council received a grant of $2,650 to help with the show’s production. Other show sponsors include the Alabama State Council on the Arts, The National Endowment of the Arts, and the City of Clanton.
Some of the class highlights include
- Vinegar Graining
- Leather Tooling
- Beginning Gourd Art
- Luffa Inserts
A full list of classes can be found at March Gourd Madness Classes
Space is limited, so registration is strongly encouraged. Questions and registration can be directed to Mack Gothard at gothardgourdgarden@gmail.com or 205-245-9441. Mack also serves as the president of the Alabama Gourd Society.
To have your event listed with us please contact us.
Gourd Planting Guide
As we move closer to spring, it is time to visit the topic of planting gourds. If you have nice long hot summers, and some space to spare, growing your own gourds can be a very rewarding experience, and with time and patience, will save you a few dollars as you won’t find yourself shopping for gourds for your various projects.Continue reading