Out of My Gourd

A couple of years ago I ran across Old Friend/Former Boss Garry, who now is an artist. He burns, carves and paints Old Dead Gourds. (He also makes money at it.) He works very diligently on a daily basis, also. His enthusiasm and ability rubbed off on me almost instantly (if Garry can do this, I can!) I started a collection of Old Dead Gourds and the tools to burn and cut and chop them. I finally found a craft I really, really enjoy! I don't care if I'm never very good - and I will never match Garry's level - but it is a wonderful feeling to do something that feels good, and one where I'm pleased with my results. Actually I'm improving slowly, but that's beside the point. I'm having fun!

We bought an old beater trailer this winter and fixed it up as a workshop, which gives me my own space to go "create." I'm taking classes from the experts - Bonnie Gibson, for instance - and will immerse myself at the Wuertz Gourd Festival in Casa Grande next month, with class after class.

My latest two creations are my favorites, so far. Of course most of the time this is true on any new one. So I constantly have new favorites. I call it instant gratification.


The Cave Ladies is based upon a Dyan Mai Peterson book, The Decorated Gourd: Beautiful Projects & New Techniques, a really terrific collection of works with excellent easy-to-follow directions. Check Amazon.com for availability.

The Cave Ladies is a gift for one of my terrific daughters-in-law. The gecko is for a good friend - she likes kokopellis and geckos, so the other sides are kokopellis.