Working with gourds is a great way to create amazing craft projects. However, there are a few tools and supplies you will need to get in order to have everything you need.
Supplies and Tools
1.You will need to pick the correct gourd for the craft project you will be working on.
A.For craft projects that are smaller like ornaments, garland etc, you will be looking for the smaller gourds. They can come as small as a small fist. So look around.
B.For the larger craft ideas like bowl, lamps and birdhouses. You will be looking for much larger gourds. The minimum will be at least a six-inch base. They come larger than this though, so make sure the gourd base is large enough. The stem does not usually count in the recipe descriptions.
2.Large bowl to soak the gourds in. Even if you are doing a project with the small gourds, you will probably want to soak more than one or two gourds. So you will need a large enough bowl to completely cover the gourd or gourds with warm water.
3.A towel is next. You will need a towel to place on top of the gourds while they are soaking. You need to be able to hold the gourds under the water. They tend to float. For the skin to be successfully removed the gourds have to soak at least a couple hours. Four+ hours is much better.
4.Steel wool is the next supply or tool you will need. The steel wool is what is used to remove the skin from the gourd after it has sat in the warm water for several hours. You may want to make sure you have a couple to use.
5.You may want a small sharp knife and maybe a spoon. Depending on the craft you are doing, you will possibly need to cut or hollow out parts of the gourd.
6.Hammer and nails, or screwdriver are other tools that might be needed to put holes into the gourd. This can be for hanging purposes, or other needs. This is dependent on the craft project.
7.Paintbrushes are also great tools that are used often with the processes of crafting with gourds. They are used to spread on the paint, the top semi-gloss coat, or for decorating the gourd. You will want several different types and sizes.
8.A pencil, or marker and pen are all good tools that are used for marking the designs, or marking where holes need to be made in the gourd. You will want to make sure to have a variety of these available.
9.Paint is another supply that you will want to make sure you have a good variety of. They can be spray paints, base coats, or even an assortment of colors of paints for designs. Each recipe or set of instructions will ask for specifics. The key is making sure that you have the right paint to work for the type of craft you will be doing.
10.Instructions or recipes are the final and likely most important tools you will want to have. This is because if you do not have all the supplies on the recipe, you could end up with a half finished project that sits in the basement indefinitely.
This is a look at gourd tools and craft supplies you will need for your crafting with gourd. Good luck creating the art you plan.