This is a relief carved bowl made from a dried gourd. Dried gourds are as hard as wood and can be beautifully carved to make unique art pieces. This unique and unusual bowl, called "Ringtails and Ripples," features two ringtail cats on tree limbs divided by geometric interest ripples carved deeply into the gourd. The art piece makes a fabulous gift for anyone who appreciates wildlife art, and will be a unique conversation starter. All of the work including the design was hand done by me.
My gourd art consists of one-of-a-kind pieces--whether they are ornaments or carved vases and bowls--depicting some aspect of nature. I carve and embellish freehand, and use lots of color. I only make one of each design--after that, there will be no more. So, when you purchase one of my gourd bowls or vases, you have the only one in existence. All of my art is hand signed.
I relief carved the ringtail cats, tree branches, leaves and butterfly using a flexible shaft rotary tool and assorted bits and burrs. The ripples were carved using miniature circular saw blades that fit the rotary shaft tool. I painted one pair of ripples using a deep, sparkling metallic blue. The other ripple, on the opposing side, is painted a lovely metallic green. I carved fur detail in the ringtails and wood detail in the tree branches. The piece is painted using high quality acrylics and dimensional inks. The primary colors are blue, green, dark brown, white, and black.
I used a large 8-1/2" diameter kettle gourd as the basis for this piece. It sits 8" high and is feather light. I am proud to use gourds from Wuertz Gourd Farm, a local, family-owned farm in Casa Grande, AZ, for all my pieces.
Working with gourds requires a lot of time and effort. First, I remove the outer skin of a farm-fresh, dried gourd with a scouring pad after soaking it in water. I use a miniature jigsaw to cut open the top of the gourd. I clean out the inside pulp and seeds using special scraping tools. I then spray the cleaned inside with semi-gloss, black, latex paint and let it dry. I draw the design on the gourd, first in pencil and then trace over it with a permanent marker. I use a variety of flexible-shaft rotary tool bits and hand tools to carve or cut out the desired portions. Sanding finishes the carvings, and I then coat the entire outside of the piece with wood primer. Once the wood primer dries, I paint the piece, including the carved areas, and touch up the inside. I then spray the entire gourd, both inside and out, with a protective varnish.
This art piece will come to you wrapped in tissue paper in its own gift box tied with a fabric ribbon.
See more of my gourd art here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyHummerArt?section_id=14568280&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns and exchanges
Just contact me within: 5 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 7 days of delivery
I don't accept cancellations
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
- Items on sale
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my gourd art be kept outside?
No. My gourd art is intended for inside use only. The art will not hold up to weather and is not created to do so.
Can my gourd vases and bowls be filled with water for fresh flowers?
No. Unless I specifically state that the piece has been waterproofed, my gourd art should not be exposed to liquids including water. However, non-leaking containers for water--such as slender glass vases, etc.,--can be placed into the bowl or vase if you wish to use the piece for holding fresh flower bouquets. Just be careful to make sure there is no spillage.
There are bumps and blemishes on the gourd art. Are these defects?
No. Gourds are natural elements that will have bumps, dings, and blemishes. These are simply a part of the gourd itself.
Wholesale availability
I am a one person operation. I cannot and do not want to mass produce. I prefer NOT to become involved in wholesale.
Gift wrapping and packaging
Almost all of my art comes gift boxed and tied with a fabric ribbon. If you want the order gift wrapped, please convo me to discuss. I can also include a customized gift enclosure card. Please make sure to let me know in the "message" portion of your order if you wish to send as a gift and provide the name and address of the recipient. I try to include a copy of your receipt with each order. If the item is a gift, I will withhold the receipt unless you direct me otherwise.
Care instructions
I send a set of "care instructions" with all of my gourd art. Gourd art should be cared for in the same manner you would care for fine wood. Simply dust gently with a dry cloth. Keep the piece out of prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to ensure the colors do not fade. Keep the piece out of water.