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 using gourds that are as hard as wood. I use lots of color and various artistic techniques to make my pieces come alive. I only make one of each design. When you purchase a piece of my gourd art, you have the only one in existence.
This 3-D, carved gourd vase will feature deep relief-carved orange roses, vines, and leaves that curl around the entire piece. There will be several layers of relief carving, highlighted by pyrography and painted in vibrant acrylic colors with a touch of iridescence.
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 paint and use both a miniature jigsaw and Foredom flexible shaft rotary tool to carve and cut out the desired portions. This piece also includes wood burning work done with a Razerair pyrography tool. The wood burning adds additional dimension to the pattern. Sanding finishes the product, and then I paint using acrylics and dimensional inks and markers. I touch up the inside of the piece again with black paint, and then spray the entire gourd, both inside and out, with a protective varnish.
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.