Gourd Sculptures

DSC_0002

After growing gourds this past summer, I was left with many vessels that had broken or become weak in some place as they were drying. Some were even broken into by squirrels. Instead of throwing away the pieces, I decided to make gourd sculptures: half basket, half bowl. I love the way they turned out! 

DSC_0003DSC_0004

DSC_0027

I started the same way I did with the birdhouses: by drying, cleaning, and scraping them, then drying them again. Next, I painted them with outdoor patio paint. Some I painted inside and out, while others I left unpainted on the inside.

DSC_0043DSC_0047DSC_0050

Next, I drilled holes around the rim of the gourd bowls so that I could weave hemp cording through. I experimented with different methods, and ended up just weaving them in an open and airy pattern.

DSC_0058DSC_0060

For a couple of them, I used hemp-covered wire to manipulate the shape of the weaving.

DSC_0356

DSC_0008

They are kind of strange, like sea creatures, and delicate, like eggshells. I like that they can hold air plants or just stand on their own.

DSC_0352

Have you been making anything lately?

8 thoughts on “Gourd Sculptures”
Post your thoughts

  1. What a lovely idea! They honestly look a part of an art installation- each elegant, a part of nature, a curious little future home, a statement unto themselves. They also remind me so much of Imbolc- the glossy white egg, with the sprout of new life 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*