Crafting with Gourds

Musical instruments like rattles, banjos, marimbas, didgeredoo and sitars have been made from them. They serve as plates, cups, baskets, bowls and boxes in some countries.

In ancient times royalty was buried inside pyramids with gourds filled with grain. Gourds are even used as a form of clothing: in New Guinea gourd penis sheathes are worn and Nigerian mothers use gourd hats to protect their baby’s head.

Because of their unusual shapes, many gourds are well suited for craftwork. Once plucked from the vine, the fruit will be dry enough to craft when the seeds rattle (anywhere from a few weeks to six months after harvest).

To prepare the fruit, soak it in warm, soapy water overnight then lightly remove the thin, outer skin with a metal dish scrubber. Afterwards let it dry thoroughly.

Think of the gourd as being similar to wood in that it can be cut, carved, drilled, burned, painted, or dyed. Using coloured pencils on gourds results in some stunning results.

A simple project to begin with is a bowl. First make a level bottom by seeing which way it “sits” best then sand areas to improve that tendency. Draw a guideline around the middle of the gourd and use miniature powertools or a hacksaw to cut. Scrape out the seed and fiber with a spoon. Smooth the edges of the bowl with sandpaper and wax it with furniture polish.

To finish the project off in a really unique way, drill holes all the way around about a quarter-inch from the edge and lash or lace a vine like honeysuckle or grape to it with yarn or raffia.

Another pretty use for gourds is to drill holes through the neck so you can string them up as a garland. Alternate with dried apple rings, dried flowers, berries, leaves and pinecones.

In the craft world, gourds are an up and coming medium. Crafters say each one has its own personality and discovering how to bring it out is rewarding work. If you’re interested in learning how to use gourds in other crafts, visit the California Gourds website http://californiagourds.com where past issues of the Gourdzette provide a wide range of ideas.