The giraffes are coming along nicely, Hubby has made 3 pair now that complete our first set that I get to keep! He will now start making them to sell alone or as a set on this blog or in our Etsy shop. Although they are small, they are very time consuming and delicate to work on. But I will certainly let you know when we have some for Sale per your requests!
The third pair are kissing...
These are gourds that I raised myself a couple of years ago. I painted freehand on them and felt they came out very nicely. I did not grow any this year and I do not think they would have done well as the summer was very dry. My cucumber vine kept blossoming and then the little cucumbers would wither and die before maturing--Except for that one 18" cucumber Giant we had-LOL!
Here is one that Bill painted of fish, rocks and seaweed on a light blue background.
Leaves and pumpkins
Pumpkins and goose
These I painted with a 2 color loaded brush of red and black and then painted my deer, trees and Kokopeli in black with white highlights. Last, Bill varnished them for me. I loved the way these came out.
Since I have not been growing these myself I am going to check out a site I found, http://www.amishgourds.com/ and see how their prices are. I really enjoy painting on them so much. Imaginatively, I could paint pumpkins, flowers and a host of other things on them. I would like to try a giraffe on a long necked one. If the bottom of the gourd is not flat and will not stand by itself, I use large pearls or beads on a common pin with a colored head and push directly into the gourd on the bottom in at least 3 places. They stand very nicely doing this.
One last idea if you crochet or macrame!
I had hubby cut off the top of this gourd, punched holes near the rim all around. Then I crocheted through the holes to make a mesh basket or web like effect and added Swan feathers. I painted the inside with a watery blue color and then painted Kokopeli so you can see him through the crochet thread. I was really pleased with the whole effect.
I hope I have inspired you to paint on gourds! Thanks for looking and come back again soon!
For a great hearty fall recipe for Chicken Stew, go to my TWO HAPPY blog for today at http://beaver-kerrie.blogspot.com/ Thanks for stopping by and do come again soon!
♥KERRIE♥
My heart to yours...
t
