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Pottery-Perfect Gourds

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Maureen Gilmer

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Close up of burned gourd
Photo Credit: Maureen Gilmer
You can see in this gourd’s design how the wood-burning tool’s edges were used to create lines of varying thicknesses.

Whether they’re made into apples, pots, dippers or canteens, gourds are a crafter’s dream. They’re the perfect “green” project that lets you create remarkable works of art on a limited budget – and sometimes no budget at all. In fact, for the gardener, a whole crop of gourds can cost as little as a $2 for packet of seeds.

Of course, if you don’t have the space to grow your own, you can buy them super cheap at fall pumpkin patches. Just haul a variety of different sizes and shapes into your home (or garage for storage), and you can work on some truly beautiful creations during the long winter months. (And for every gourd you craft, that’s another holiday or hostess present you won’t have to buy.)

Gourd vine
Photo Credit: Maureen Gilmer
To conserve space, consider training your gourds onto a chain-link fence.

The real beauty of fully dried, cured gourds is that they have an outer surface that’s easy to gouge, burn and paint. The invention of the Dremel® rotary tool literally revolutionized this craft, allowing you to create beautiful shapes, cutouts and textures with very little effort. But for “gourd heads” on a budget, a hack saw blade wrapped in duct tape for a handle is perfect to cut off the gourds’ tops. (Just be careful!) And a bit of sandpaper is all that’s needed to smooth the edges and any rough spots on the surface. (You can also decorate your gourds with paints and stains, as well as add woven materials like pine needle basketry and fine driftwood into your project, without expanding the cost too much.)

Gourd steps
Photo Credit: Maureen Gilmer
These gourds show several craft preparation steps: Clean the gourd with soap and water; cut off the neck of the gourd for an open top and sand the edges smooth (as well as any rough surfaces on the gourd); and paint the gourd with primer or white interior latex for good adherence.

There are endless ways to decorate gourds, but one of the most appealing methods out West resembles the work of Southwestern potters. The craft gives the gourds the same look but for just pennies. (And “gourd pottery” doesn’t break like those expensive pots – they just bounce.)

Crafting gourds inspired by Anasazi pottery is an easy place to start because of the simple designs. The Anasazi used just one color with geometric patterns featuring a lot of straight lines rather than elaborate picture graphics. (Just take a trip online to look up some Native American museum Websites for ideas to get you started.) For something a little more intricate, you can try copying pottery designs made by contemporary Pueblos. They typically feature animals and detailed constructions – but be forewarned: They can be difficult to copy on a gourd.

Facts
  • Cured, dried gourds can sit in storage for a very long time without damage – provided the environment is dry. Dampness can foster mold on the outside of the gourd, which gives it a patchy coloration not suited to many kinds of crafts.
Tips
  • If you plan to grow your own gourds, buy seed from one of the many online gourd growers who keep the varieties apart to ensure your gourds reach the perfect size and shape.
  • Want larger gourds? Nip the flowers to limit the number of gourds produced – forcing the ones you do get to grow bigger.
Share
  • The Garden Party and share your gourd stories with the rest of our Learn2Grow community! Post some pictures of your crafts, create a blog, or learn from our experts and other home gardeners some more great things you can do with gourds. Have a question about you gourd pottery project? Post it in the Learn2Grow Forums.
 
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Next Steps


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  • Grow a Birdhouse for a Song(bird)
    If your wildlife garden brings in the songbirds, why not grow them a home? Gourd birdhouses have been around for centuries, and with good reason: They’re decorative, affordable, and easy to grow and make. Learn the simple way to plant gourds and make a birdhouse from your harvest.
  • Gourds – Going to the Birds!
    Gourds make pretty fall centerpieces and can nicely decorate a front porch. But why stop there? With a little creativity, you and your children can turn a regular old gourd into a unique birdhouse sure to impress your garden visitors (feathered friends included).
  • The Circleville Pumpkin Show
    Ever see a street lined with 100,000 pounds of gourds? What about a 6-foot-wide pumpkin pie? Visit the Circleville Pumpkin Show in Circleville, OH, and be prepared for a mouthwatering autumn adventure!
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