I’m going to try my hand at gourd art. I love the organic shapes and the blend of function and design. I’ve never done it before and am wondering if anyone out there can tell me about it. I want to do some carving and woodburning. Are the gourds very delicate? Hard to carve? do they naturally become waterproof when they dry or do you have to seal them?
I’ve ordered a book and a couple of dried gourds, but I’m also thinking about growing my own if I like it. Just wondering if anyone has any experience or opinions. Thanks!
Ooh, I don’t do this, but my sister and mom had quite a nice little business going with gourd art. I will pass the questions on to them. I can tell you that once properly dried the gourds are pretty tough. A dremel or other rotary tool works best for carving. Just use a light hand for surface carving, as the shell is fairly thin. Woodburning I know nothing about. They are NOT waterproof without sealing, but that shouldn’t be an issue unless you want to use them for vases or outside. They don’t exactly leak, but can get soft spots and a noticeable odor when wet.
I see I’ve pretty much answered your questions on my own. I will still ask for tips to make things easier regarding burrs, paint, sealers. One other thing - if I recall correctly, you’re in the Cary/Crystal Lake area, right? My sister lived in Cary at the time and gourds grow very nicely there. Do try to grow some of your own if you decide to continue.
My mom’s partner does this, and I’ve helped her on some. They’re pretty tough, and I had to use a pretty heavy hand with the burning (I’ve never woodburned anything else, though, so that may be normal). She makes birdhouses, so she cuts a hole in one, puts in a perch, and then woodburns and/or paints it. I think she uses acrylic, and then seals 'em with varnish or poly. One thing though, woodburning those things stinks! Not in a good wood-smokey way either.