Gourd Enthusiasm Growing Around the World

Gourds played an essential role in the daily life of early cultures. Commonly used as containers and vessels, they were also used for musical instruments. Some cultures used gourds for birdhouses and feeders and this is what most people today think of when they hear the word gourd. Or maybe you can remember a dipper made out of a gourd at Grandma's house years ago.

Now artists and crafts people have discovered a new medium to develop their creativity. I'm not sure when the gourd craze officially started but it worked it's way into my life about eight years ago by way of an article in a gardening magazine. It looked interesting and so that spring I decided to grow a couple gourd plants.

My first creations were, of course, birdhouses. Later, after some research and book purchases, the world of gourds exploded and I have found that the creative possibilities are limitless. Even if you can't come up with your own ideas there are a multitude of books and tutorials written by gourd artists and crafters explaining different techniques that can be done with gourds.

Gourd craft is working its way into the hands of accomplished artists who have found the gourd to be an exciting new way to showcase their art. They are not just for crafters anymore.

So now that you have gotten a little gourd enthusiasm of your own what comes next? Well, the gourd of course. Gourd growers and suppliers, once few and far between, are beginning to pop up everywhere. Many can be found on the internet.

Gourds come in all shapes and sizes, from minis to giants. The name of the gourd can give you a clue about the shape, such as egg, cannonball, canteen, basketball, bottle and so forth. You get the idea.

In order to work with the gourd it must be dry. If you happen to find gourds being sold in the fall at a farmers market they will most likely be freshly harvested. These will have to dry for a few months to a year or more depending on size. I personally don't like to purchase green gourds, as they are called, just in case they haven't fully matured. Some growers new to the world of gourd craft don't understand the needs of the gourd artist. They are only concerned with growing gourds for fall decoration. A poorly grown gourd, instead of drying, may rot or have a shell too thin to work with.

I'm in favor of buying gourds that have already dried. This way surprises and disappointments can be reduced. You still may have a few along the way though. When gourds dry they produce a moldy skin that eventually dries on the gourd. This skin has to be removed before art work can begin. After the skin is removed you may discover some holes or warts on your gourd. Or during cleaning you might discover your hard gourd has turned soft once you got it wet. This is the sign of a thin shell. There are things that can be done with a thin shell but for the most part we look for gourds with thick, sturdy shells.

To avoid these problems, look for cleaned, ready to craft gourds. These gourds have been cleaned for you. Cleaning is a messy job and you may not have the desire or area in which to do it yourself.

So come and join in the fun and find out for yourself the addicting powers of the gourd.

Martha Bloom: grower and crafter of gourds.
Find gourds, ready to craft when they arrive at your door.
http://marthasgourds.com

---

Better Links Directory

Jar Lid and Jar Candle Decoration

Supplies Needed:Most items can be found around the house or... Read More

How Could Your Hobby be the Key to Financial Success?

Virtually everyone has the knowledge they need to make a... Read More

Plastic, Zinc, Brass, Embossing and Marking Stencils

Marking StencilsStencil is a cut-out form for an alphabets, numbers,... Read More

Depression Glass Patterns

Collectors of Depression Glass find not only its beautiful colors... Read More

17 Tips For Getting Balloons to Last Longer in Hot Weather

In warm weather, latex balloons will typically only last outside... Read More

Gift Baskets - Create Simple Easy Gifts For the Person Who Has Everything!

Have you ever thought about giving a personalized Gift Basket?Is... Read More

Spruce Up Your Pages with Scrapbooking Embellishments

Having this nagging doubt that you may upstage your precious... Read More

Step-By-Step Guide For Creating Collages and Other Unique Picture Frames

So you want to make a collage or perhaps you... Read More

How to Value Your Jewelry at Home or Work

Many thanks for taking the time to read this compact... Read More

Essentials of Genealogy - Getting Started with Your FamilyTree

Since genealogy is my hobby, my profession, and my passion,... Read More

How to Use Feathers and Dried Flowers to Give Your Scrapbooks an Artistic Feel

Feathers make exotic and interesting embellishments and borders. Feathers add... Read More

Rubber Stamping: From Maya Indians to Scrapbooking

Who would have thought that your scrapbooking and card making... Read More

Production and Pricing of Craft Show Items

This is where you can really make or break your... Read More

Coin Collecting ? A Fun Hobby

Over the years, collecting coins has grown from being just... Read More

Family Album In The Digital Age

Back then it was simple - you take the picture,... Read More

Gemstone Collecting

Personally, I have become fascinated with gemstones (precious and semi-precious... Read More

Cleaning Silk Bouquets In 3 Simple Steps

How To Clean A Silk BouquetA Silk bouquet can last... Read More

Why Chainmaille Jewelry Craft

Jewelry is very prevalent, but jewelry that directly compliments your... Read More

A Few Tips About Comic Book Bags

We store comics to keep them valuable. Air pollution, ultra... Read More

Security Advice for Gold Jewelry, Diamonds, and Gemstones

For you to enjoy your treasures, they need to be... Read More

Green Thumb Not Required

Ah, the sweet smell of fresh flowers, herbs and fruit.... Read More

How to Make Your Own Soap Favors for Weddings and Baby Showers

Want to make soap as a gift for your party... Read More

Machine Embroidery Digitizing - What Youll Need Besides the Software

You've purchased an embroidery machine, practiced the designs that were... Read More

Gourd Enthusiasm Growing Around the World

Gourds played an essential role in the daily life of... Read More

Are You Making Money At Craft Shows?

If you are involved in the crafts business, and are... Read More