SNOWMAN GOURD CLASS (starts at 8:00)
by Billie Strickland, Southeast GA

Learn to create this charismatic snowman from a large birdhouse gourd or bottle gourd using Christmas fabrics, paints, greenery, berries, etc.. Lovely finished snowman. 

Required Supply List: one large (approx 12") clean bottle or birdhouse gourd, favorite acrylic paint brushes, water container for holding/cleaning brushes, paint palette or waterproof paper plate, tracing paper, graphite or transfer paper, masking tape, stylus or ballpoint pen (preferably out of ink), several paper towels, and $2 supply fee for fabrics, etc. Stylus ($2) and tracing paper (free sheet) available from event vendor, Bob. 

In this class, you will learn to transfer a design onto the gourd, color the design using gourd inks or leather dyes, and “pop” out the design using permanent markers. Then you will learn a simple, but elegant, rim technique.

Required Supply List: cut and cleaned gourd bowl. See photo to see possible shapes and sizes.

Learn how to use a centuries old Japanese braiding technique to produce your own cord for gourd rims. A simple practice cord will be made first. If you wish, you may make a second cord using your choice of various fibers to apply to a small gourd.

Required Supplies List: one Kumihimo kit from Primitive Originals or instructor for $16 OR the following items: braiding disk with 32 slots, 8 flexible cord bobbins or 8 floss cards with rubber bands, 2 yards of one color of simple yarn and two yards of a second color. Bring your favorite scissors. If you want to apply your cord to a gourd in class, bring your gourd bowl ready to decorate with cord (cut/cleaned or already dyed, varnished, and dried). We recommend a gourd with opening no larger than about 8 inches across. If you are more interested in the braids for necklaces or purse handles, you don’t have to bring a gourd and can just observe or work on cords while the class continues.

Optional: Instructor will provide cord for one project, as well as lots of optional colorful and funky yarns for sale. Feel free to bring any neat yarns, 5 feet or longer, that you would like to incorporate. Bring also any favorite dangles or large hole beads you would like to add. A measuring tape might be useful, if you have one.