HARD-SHELL GOURD ART
The Gourd Guy produces quality hard-shell gourds that are clean
and ready for art! Hard-
shell gourds have traditionally been used for making birdhouses and feeders, decorative bowls, dipper
spoons, canteens, planters, dolls and even musical instruments.
The instructions below will get you started. Use your imagination and you’re sure to get
beautiful, lasting, functional products that will be with you for a long time.
Drawing designs
Draw your design in pencil. Any kind of paint can be used (acrylic, oil, even crayons!).
Stains and dyes can be used to enhance the natural grain of the gourd.
Designs can be carved into the gourds using woodcarving or wood burning tools. An Exacto
knife can be used to cut designs into or through the gourds or you can carve with a Dremel tool.
Finished products can be varnished to enhance the natural grain and protect the paint
from the weather. While the gourds will hold up well to the elements, it’s best to bring them indoors
during winter.
Bird houses
Cut a hole and file smooth. Use an electric drill with a hole bit to make round holes. Drill
two small holes in the top of the gourd for hanging (or hang it from the neck). Drill three holes in the
bottom for drainage. The entrance hole must be high enough so that the babies won’t fall out and on a
vertical spot so that the rain doesn’t get in. Use a spoon to loosen the seeds and fiber inside and shake
it out. It is not necessary to completely clean the inside – the birds will use some of the material for
nesting. Draw and paint your design and finish with outdoor varnish or polyurethane.
Hole sizes:
Wren – 1”-1⅛”
Chickadee – 1⅛” to 1¼”
Bluebirds – 1½”
Purple Martins - 1⅞” - 2⅜”
The Gourd Guy
608.437.1944
2099 County Road E
Blue Mounds, WI 53517
www.wisconsingourds.com
[email protected]