GIRAFFES AND GOURDS

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...