Many gardeners tend to choose hobbies that are plant related, such as flower arranging, seed exchanges, attending garden shows and tours, and of course, garden blogging. I’m no exception. One on-again, off-again hobby I have is plant related in a sense. I do gourd crafting, but not often any more. This past month I've had to dust off my gourd crafting tools for a special project.I'm currently working on a gourd slated for a benefit auction, and I’m running out of time. The benefit gourd will have a pine needle weave around the rim, and I need a refresher course on the weaving stitch because it’s been so long since I’ve worked on a gourd. 
One of my favorite techniques involves using beads and gourd seeds as embellishments in the weaving. Adding these is time consuming, so the current gourd project will not include these elements. It will have just a row or two of pine needle weaving, along with a wood-burned design, chosen by the benefit host.
The gourd in these photos is one I made a couple of years ago, right after a technique class when all the instructions were fresh in my mind. Of all the gourds I designed, I like this one the best, mostly because of the seeds.
10 comments:
That's an awesome talent you have No Rain. I've always been inspired with people who can craft things from natural resources and gourds are just gourd-geous. All the best with the benefit charity.
What a wonderfully unique and creative idea. I have also done gourd weaving so I know who special this is. You have awakened my desire to finish the gourd I have to do and I was going to paint on it. Now I can do both.
I love gourd art. I like the fact that you added the seeds. Have you ever grown any gourds on your vast property? It provides a lot of shade for baby plants in the summer.
Very nice work. I have a friend who also does gourd crafts so I don't have to beg you for one.
Happy Valentine's Day
I am amazed at how talented you are Aiyana!!! WOW! I can weave a basket out of paper (ha ha ha...seriously), but this is over the top extra special. Excellent job with this one...hope you will be able to post your current project as well before the auction.
Beautiful work, Aiyana. I've never heard of gourd crafts. I love the colors on the gourd itself. The seeds you've added makes this design special.
Wow, Aiyana, I had no idea that you did gourd art. The stitching is incredible ... Now I have so many questions I'd love to ask you. The finish is beautiful and the weaving exquisite. The embellishments are just spectacular.
A hidden talent until now - I am really glad that you shared it.
I hope the weekend goes well - I will be sending loads of good and healing thoughts for your husband's surgery on Tuesday!
Your gourd is beautiful. I have tried doing this with our short leaved pines and it was a pain. Mine didn't look nearly as pretty. I really like the seeds added. I am sure this took lots of time and talent. The gourd you donate should bring a nice sum of money for your chairity.
What a beautiful gourd. Hope you're able to make another... a nice project for a good cause. :-)
Thanks for the comments. I'm almost through with the current project, and it's looking nice!
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