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A gourd is vegetable that is closely related to the squash and the pumpkin. Gourds are very versatile when used as decorations due to the variety of shapes and colors they come in. They are very popular as Autumn centerpieces and in cornucopias, but gourds can also be made into birdhouses [1] X Trustworthy Source Missouri Botanical Garden Oldest botanical garden in the U.S. and center for botanical research and science education Go to source or even into Santa Clauses. Painting gourds is a great craft for kids and adults alike.
Steps
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Fill a bowl or bucket with warm water. -
Choose the desired number of gourds you want to paint. The gourds should be at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) in length, not counting the stems.Advertisement -
Wrap a dishtowel around each gourd. Dishtowels help keep the entire gourds underwater instead of floating to the surface. -
Submerge the draped gourds into the bowl or bucket of warm water. [2] X Research source -
Allow your gourds to soak for approximately 4 hours to soften the skin. -
Rub the skin off the gourds gently, using steel wool. [3] X Research source -
Rinse the gourds thoroughly and allow them to sit overnight or until they are completely dry. -
Apply a water seal if the gourd will be used outside and allow it to dry. Paint the gourd with an oil-based primer in the areas that will be decorated and allow it to dry. This makes a solid surface for your art. -
Gather all the paints you would like to use and begin with a base coat. This could be an acrylic or oil-based paint. You can also use a spray paint. -
Draw any desired designs on your gourds using a pencil or marker if desired. You can skip this step if you prefer to paint the designs free-hand. [4] X Research source -
Apply paint to your designs with paintbrushes or sponges using small strokes and a light amount of paint. You may also spray the paint, just make sure to spray lightly and at a distance of at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) to prevent the paint from running or dripping. -
Allow the freshly-painted gourds to dry thoroughly once more. -
Coat the gourds with clear paint or an acrylic quick-drying sealer to give it a glossy finish and prevent scratching or peeling. [5] X Research source -
Finished.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionCan I put a clear coat over the gourd, leaving it in a natural state with no paint?Community AnswerAbsolutely, but if the gourd is going to be outside, spray it with a marine varnish. You can find these at Menard's or Home Depot.
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QuestionWhat do you do if you make a mistake?OllieoxenfreeCommunity AnswerPaint over it.
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QuestionDoes the gourd have to be dried before painting it?Fae LynneCommunity AnswerYes. If it's not, the layer of paint will make it hard for moisture to escape as it dries, leading to a rotten gourd.
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Tips
- If you plan on keeping your painted gourds outside, it is recommended that you choose a clear finishing product that has a UV blocker to protect it from fading in the sun.Thanks
- Get creative with fun accessories from your local hobby shop. Add miniature hats, brooms, scarves or aprons to gourd people. Tie strings or ribbons around the neck of your gourd art for added decoration or to hang them up.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Bowl or bucket
- Water
- Gourds
- Dishtowels
- Steel wool
- Water seal
- Oil-based primer
- Acrylic, oil or spray paint
- Paint brushes or sponges
- Pencil or marker (optional)
- Clear finish paint or acrylic quick-drying sealer
References
- ↑ https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/creating-a-gourd-birdhouse
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIwnqOGxcrE
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIwnqOGxcrE
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axCf3GIlmdA
- ↑ https://www.surfnetkids.com/early/1820/how-to-paint-gourds-2
About This Article
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- "I grow gourds in my Arkansas back yard. I have bunches every year. "
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