I have some huge gourds, all dried. One I am going to make a bird house out of, it is one of the long ones with a round bottom. Should I varnish, shellac it, or weather proof it in some way before hanging it? I have one shaped like a pear that I will make a bird feeder out of. The other is an apple gourd, any suggestions on what I can do with it for outside decoration?
2007-04-09 05:55:55 · 7 answers · asked by vivib 6 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
The apple one might be cute as a small bird house as well. Maybe you could letter "School House" on it. (You know, an apple for a teacher, school, get it??) Other wise maybe you can make it into a small planter or some part of a bird bath. And yes, I would varnish it before hanging it to protect it from the weather somewhat.
2007-04-09 07:34:56 · answer #1 · answered by kiki 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They make excellent bird houses. All that is required is a hole cut into it and a protective coating. Don't use anything that has a strong scent, however.
You could also make an interesting wind chime that makes use of different sizes of gourds. Hang them around a central string that has weights attached to it and it will make a wooden sounding tone like a xylophone.
2007-04-09 13:05:44 · answer #2 · answered by zombiehive 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are links to a lot of basic info about using gourds in different ways on this page of my site, if you want to check it out:
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/covering.htm
(..click on subcategory GOURDS --under the "Wood" category, near the bottom of the list at the top of that page...)
(that section also includes how to use polymer clay with gourds in various ways)
HTH,
Diane B.
2007-04-09 14:08:11 · answer #3 · answered by Diane B. 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can paint the outside with exterior paint. Indian designs and patterns are popular. Indoors you can make small bowls and similar things. Outdoors in addition to bird houses you can make wind chimes
2007-04-15 21:58:45 · answer #4 · answered by pilot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow!!! The possibilities are endless! I have recently started to craft gourds and would love to buy or get free some of yours. I have some beautiful beads, stones, shells etc that you may want to see. You can wood burn them, carve, inlay...lacquer, stain or even simply use any craft paint. You can even weave and incorporate pine needles, quills etc. Have fun! Check your library. e-mail me for some ideas. Debi debsblmn@yahoo.com
2007-04-15 06:49:43 · answer #5 · answered by debsblmn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do pretty much anything with gourds. Visit my website at http://www.perugourds.com to get some ideas.
Good luck!
2007-04-11 10:44:42 · answer #6 · answered by Janmarintl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make lampshades out of them, cool.
2007-04-17 03:22:45 · answer #7 · answered by msmaryanne1 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋