GOURDS

Here is a sampling of some of the gourds that I have done. I burn the designs into the gourds, so any black that you see is actually burned into the gourd. I use dyes, inks, stains, pencils and paints to add color.

Click onto any photo for a larger image.

One of my favorites, the water drum, based on the traditional Yaqui Indian water drum which is used in their deer dance. The water drum is created from half of a gourd, and when it is floated in a pan of water, has a wonderful resonance. Each gourd produces a different tone, based on size and thickness of it's skin.

A WORD ABOUT CANDLEHOLDERS

Because gourds all have a "dimple" in the bottom, they are not flat on the inside. If you are using your gourd as a decorative candle holder, place decorative rocks or marbles in the bottom of the gourd to hold your candle secure and level.

I recommend using battery operated candles in your gourd candle holders, they are available at craft stores and come in many styles and sizes. If you prefer to use a real candle, place it in a votive holder, set it into a thick layer of rocks or marbles as described above. Never leave a burning candle unattended.