When 2021 began I wanted to make more interesting and challenging items for my students to make at our wood burning workshops. Then the interest turned into a Search which then turned into an obsession.

Once we really started to dig deeper I found out that it was really hard to actually find gourds in my part of NC. That’s when the “Challenge Accepted!” mode kicked into high gear….

It’s very easy to say that Gourds grow on you once you get started with them. (See what I did there? HAHAHA) Keep up to date with my “Events” page as I discover more and more we can do with these versatile plants and share with you all as we go along.

Traditional cavity housing for small birds including Martins, Chickadee and Wrens. When placed on the porch or around the property they provide a natural pest control for your gardens.

What better way to share this new found love for gourds than to harvest the seeds? Check out the shop for the variety of seeds I’ll have available throughout the year. Or go visit my new Patreon page and help support us on this journey. Goals include clearing 1/4 of my property to plant a new gourd patch this year as well as building a new storage facility where I can safely store gourds as they go through the drying process.

We chose to go to a crowd funding platform to help us grow. We currently have 4 bins filled with gourds that have become a tasty snack for the squirrels and birds. We have grown considerably in the last two years with the purchase of two outbuildings, a studio and a wood working workshop. I’d love to share the love with those who join me on this journey. Many Thanks!

So What had happened Wuz…. I went to check on the gourds again and the Leader of the Gourd Rebel Pack came at me. Bandoliers around his body, guns raised in each little paw, red bandana around his head and grease paint under each eye. I knew it was serious. (I heard the theme to The Good, The Bad and The Ugly in the background) Until I can get funding for a secure storage, I went and got some chicken wire, laid it on top of the boxes with pallets on top. Safe for now…till next time. Good thing I still have my workshops and plenty of dried gourds to work with till these mature. Want to join in, check out the subscriptions now available in my shop. Make it great day, every day!

Gourd Bottle Flask - Hand drawn Taino Design on Bottle Gourd, wood burned and painted. Natural Rope Accents with wood beads and beaded feather embellishment.

I’ll be teaching gourd wood burning workshops at the Gourd Gathering in Cherokee NC June 1,2,and 3 and at the Pennsylvania Gourd Festival June 16th and 17th! I’m beyond excited to be meeting so many new gourd artists along my travels. Hope to see you there too!