Gourd Finishing and Decorating

Ways to Decorate and Finish Hardshell Gourds

The hardshell langenaria gourd fruit has been used since time immemorial to craft items both utilitarian and decorative.

The amazing variety of shapes, whether naturally formed or achieved with some human intervention as the fruit grows, lend themselves to eating utensils, covered or open bowls, baskets, purses, vases, canteens, musical instruments, hinged boxes, diorama frames to be filled with tiny nativity scenes or scenes of daily life - just to name a few.

Sometimes the whimsical shapes will suggest a bird, animal or human form.

I've seen gourds made into "piggy" banks, dolls, masks, lamps, wall sconces and birdhouses. The artist's imagination is the only limit. There are entire books written about crafting gourds. My favorite is The Complete Book of Gourd Craft by Ginger Summit and Jim Widess.

Here is one technique for applying a design before a gourd has fully-cured - scratch-engraving.

Most gourds are crafted after they have fully cured. Here are instructions for curing hardshell gourds and more curing information.

Before applying a finish to a fully-cured gourd, you will (usually) want to remove the exterior mold that formed during curing; cut the gourd with your final design in mind; and clean the gourd's interior.

Finally, the fun part can begin!

This article describes specific Gourd Decorating Methods.