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Monday, October 22, 2012

Trying My Hand At Gourd Art


This will not be the most beautiful gourd
 that you have ever seen,
but it is something that, 
I am very proud of.
 
If you have ever carved a gourd
 you will know what 
I'm talking about.

I have so many hours into this project, 
that I do not remember how many.

It is like having a baby,
 if you remember the pain,
you'll never try it again.

I did this project many years ago,
and although I purchased two more gourds at the farmers market, 
that day, I have not yet,
started carving them. 
 
I used Steve's Dremel tool.
A gourd is very hard when dried, but also easily cracked.
Ergo, it is a painstaking process.


I have a great appreciation 
for Gourd Artists.
There are so many marvelous artist,
 that work with gourds.
If you have a chance to go 
to a show featuring this vegetable
 as it's medium . . .don't miss it. 

As for me, the next gourd I carve will be a
 nice fresh soft pumpkin, LOL.
Thanks for visiting and please leave a comment, 
Connie :)
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80 comments:

  1. Wow! this looks fantastic! You did a wonderful job :) Enjoy your weekend.

    Hugs,
    Stephanie

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    Replies
    1. Hi Stephanie, I am delighted that you like it:)
      Have a great weekend.
      Connie :)

      Delete
  2. You should be very, very proud of this great gourd! You did an excellent job on it. I love the way it looks! Have a great week end!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for stopping by and thank you for the sweet compliment :)
      You also have a great weekend.
      Connie :)

      Delete
  3. I just cannot get over this gourd! Wow! What a work of love.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Laura, I am excited that you like my gourd craving . . . it was a labor of love.
      Have a very sweet weekend.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  4. Wow, that looks amazing! You did a great job. Have a nice week end :).
    Maria

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    Replies
    1. Hi Maria, I love your visits and thank you for the very sweet comment. I am happy that you like this.
      Have a wonderful weekend.
      Connie :)

      Delete
  5. Looks pretty good to me! I have tried messing with gourds and a dremel....I never got results this good! Nice job!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Danni. It took a lot of time and patience.
      Have a lovely weekend.
      Connie :)

      Delete
  6. Wow Connie,
    I have never seen this art before. You have made such a good job with the gourd.
    very interesting..
    Thank you Connie for sharing your hard work and lovely gourd with us.
    happy weekend.
    val

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    Replies
    1. Hello Val. It is always good to see you here. Thank you for the sweet words.
      Happy weekend . . . right back, to you :)
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  7. Have you tried wood burning on a gourd? Might be easier than carving ....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, this is the only gourd that I've done. It may even be the last, but who knows.
      Hope your weekend is a happy one.
      Connie :)

      Delete
  8. Oh my goodness- that is beautiful work- I can imagine how hard it was!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Terri, thanks for the visit and for the wonderful comment . . . you put a smile on my face :)
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  9. It's gorgeous!! You have every right to be proud of yourself. I bet they are really hard to carve when they are dried.

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    Replies
    1. Gorgeous, wow!!! I like that word . . . thanks :)
      Have a delightful weekend.
      Your blogging sister, Connie

      Delete
  10. I think you did a lovely job carving and would never have guessed it was your first.
    Have a great day.
    Always, Queenie

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    Replies
    1. Hi Queenie,
      What a lovely thing to say. It may be my first and last. I love setting it out this time of year, but it was a lot of work and you have to wear a dust-mask. I have a hard time wearing those things. For one thing my glasses always fog up when I wear one for very long, LOL.
      Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for visiting.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  11. Connie, the gourd is beautiful! Great job. What fun it must have been and I completely appreciate the hours that went into your creation. -- Jan

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    Replies
    1. Hello Jan, I am delighted that you like my gourd. I enjoy adding it to my autumn decorating.
      Have a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for visiting. It brighten my day to read the comments that are left on my posts and I feel blessed to have so many creative friends.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  12. You should be proud of yourself, what great work!! I have never seen a gourd carved...The first thing I thought was...How did she do that??? I love my dremel, but would never have the patience or talent,,,,Good job!

    Carol

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much . . . but Carol, you forget I've seen the things that you do and I believe you can do anything and do it very well. You are a creative genius.
      Have a beautiful autumn weekend, Connie :)

      Delete
  13. That is carving on the gourd? Wow, that is gorgeous! The bottom part looks like little mosaic tiles. :-)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Melanie, I am so happy that you like this :)

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  14. Great job Connie! I think I'm going to stick to making birdhouses out of them! Drill a hole, paint it if you want to, hang it up. Easy Peasy!

    Cindy Bee

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    Replies
    1. Hi Cindy, thank you so much for stopping by and for the sweet comment. I'll bet that your birdhouses are wonderful. Can I find them in your archives? Have a great and beautiful autumn weekend. Your blogging sister Connie :)

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  15. I have never seen such a beautiful gourd! The hours you put into this really shine in the finished product.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Melanie, you always say the sweetest things. You made my day, Thanks so much for visiting.
      Your blogging sister Connie :)

      Delete
  16. This is beautiful and the perfect time of year to show off this work of art. I'm so glad you found my blog and left a sweet comment. I'm your newest follower as well and can't wait to check in on your inspiring blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much . . . what a sweetie pie:)

      Delete
  17. Wow. I don't think I've ever seen something like that before. That takes talent and probably lots of patience! Two things I don't think I would have for carving out something. I don't even like to carve a pumpkin. Maybe that's why I just hack them in half and make them into pies!!! But it's very nice and would look nice on the table for Thanksgiving!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nothing wrong with pumpkins pies . . . yummy . . . you can't eat my silly old gourd :)
      Have a wonderful autumn day!
      Your blogging sister Connie :)

      Delete
  18. Hi Connie,

    Wow! I'm impressed. I can't imagine how many hours you put into it. It looks perfect for the season - I hope you are displaying it in a place on honor!!!

    Hugs, Kay

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    Replies
    1. My dear sweet Kay, My face always lights up with a big smile when I see that you have visited. Thanks for the lovely compliment on my gourd art. I am a little bit proud of it :)
      Have an absolutely marvelous autumn day (your weather may not change that much, I'm not sure), but whatever the weather be happy, you sweet and lovely friend.
      Your blogging sister, Connie

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  19. However painful to carve, this is beautiful, Connie! I am inspired. :-)

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  20. Hi Connie,
    Well, if this is the first gourd you ever carved, it is pretty darn good. I think you did an awesome job. Turned out great :-)

    Blessings,
    ❤Ana

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ana, you are a sweet pie . . . I'm happy that you like it :)

      Delete
  21. Connie, I can't believe that's the first gourd you've carved either. That is amazing! Wow...- Revis

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    Replies
    1. Hello Revis, It's the first and probably the last, LOL. I did enjoy it, but I hate wearing those dust masks that long. Have a lovely autumn day . . . it's raining here, but Butchy and I walked to the mailbox in the rain and the air smelled wonderful. Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  22. Hi Connie...thanks for stopping by. I give you credit for doing even one ghord. Looks very complex to me!

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  23. Hi there, thanks for visiting my blog, I'm a new follower of yours now! You say you tried your hand at gourd carving, I'd say you're a natural! What beautiful work! I painted a scarecrow on one once, and thought I had done something. :-)
    I will definately be back often, your new friend, Dorothy

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    Replies
    1. Hi Dorothy, I am so happy to have you as a follower. I just love your blog :)
      Thank you for the encouraging comment.
      Your newest blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  24. Connie, I am speechless...I LOVE this Gourd!! I have grown gourds for a few years and people love them...but I've NEVER seen artwork carving like this before. I have seen them painted quite beautifully but not this! Believe this or not, my first thought was I want to BUY one of these....then I continued to read where you said how hard it is to do. So obviously, you only have this one. If you do make another one and decide to sell, let me know! I LOVE natural things and you have out did yourself girl! LOVE YOUR TALENT...you are very blessed! From one sweetie to another~~~Roxie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roxie, that was about the nicest compliment I could possibly receive. Thank you. This is the only one that I've carved and it will probably be my last, but who knows. It seems in life when you say never . . . things change :)
      Have a wonderful day. Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  25. This is beautiful. I love the colors. Who know you could make that kind of art out of a gourd. Outstanding job, Connie. Thanks for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Denise, and thank you for the lovely compliment. Connie :)

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  26. Bonjour Connie!!! :O)
    Jolie fotos !!! :O) Et jolie truque !! :O) Les couleurs sont chaudes et jolie!! J`adore!! :O)
    Bonne journée!!
    xxx Maria xxx

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    Replies
    1. Bonjour Maria, Merci!
      Bonne soiree, Connie :)

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  27. Hi Connie.
    Bravo! You did a great job! I've never tried to carve a gourd before... you have me convinced that I should give it a try one of these days.... when I have more patience :)
    Thanks for sharing.


    Smiles :)
    K.

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    Replies
    1. I truly hope that you do :) and thank you for the compliment.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  28. Oh my heavens Connie, that looks amazing! But I can imagine how hard it must have been to achieve from what you have said, so well done you!
    I shall stick to carving a simple scary face on a pumpkin - I know my limits and dont have your skill!
    Have a great week Connie and thanks for visiting mine!
    Gill xx

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    Replies
    1. Hello Gill, thank you for the kind words and for the lovely visit.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

      Delete
  29. Hey Connie,

    Where I live is at 7000 feet so we definitely have four seasons!! Usually we get our first snowstorm around Halloween.

    Hugs,
    Kay

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    Replies
    1. Wow!!! I had no idea. I thought that New Mexico was a winter warm spot. You're way up in the mountains, aren't you? You just might have snow before us. Have a lovely day. Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  30. thank you for follwoing, now I will also be here often! I would like also to invite you to my second blog

    Blog about life and travelling

    Blog about cooking

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you so much for following, and now I am following your travel blog, too . . . beautiful photos :)

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  32. It is gorgeous! I think you've found your calling =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Andrea, Thank you so much . . . and thank you for following . . . I really do appreciate it!
      I'm looking very forward to getting to know you better.
      Your newest blogging sister, Connie :)

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  33. Wow, this is gourdgeous!! A real winner. Well done Connie:)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jane and thank you so much. It is great having you visit:)
      Your blogging sister, Connie

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  34. this is simply AMAZING!! great job! Wow!

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  35. It is beautiful! I have never tried that before.

    Hugs,

    Kathy M.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kathy . . . prepare to put some time into it . . but it is well worth it in the end.
      I hope you have a go at it.
      Have a wonderful weekend . . . I know you will . . . you remind me of my daughter, she packs all the adventure and fun that she can into every weekend. :)
      Your blogging sister, Connie

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  36. I've always wanted to do one of these! Not to sound stupid, but where do you get dried gourds? I love the leaves on yours. Very pretty. You should be proud!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Karen, I am so happy that you like my carved gourd. I purchased mine at the farmer's market. I must warn you, they look awful when they are ready to crave. There is a mold that grows on them, so you must scrub them good in bleach water and then let them dry, before you start to crave. Most market venders will have this step none a head for you, but not all of them. A friend of mine was growing some for us to crave . . . she didn't know that they would grow mold in the drying process and when they did she threw them all away :(
      Have a wonderful weekend . . . I do hope this helped answer your question.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  37. Wow, this is amazing, Connie. I can see why it took so long to carve.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jackie, thank you for your sweet words. I am happy that you like it.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  38. This is quiet an accomplishment!!! All the designs so amazing & pretty!!! I also read your "Apron Post". Love those beautiful aprons & to think you re-cycled a dress to come up with them! Very creative!
    Maki

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    Replies
    1. Hello Maki, I am delighted to see you and thank you so much for the lovely compliments.
      Have a wonderful weekend.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  39. WOW WOW WOW. This is amazing work, Connie!!. The design is beautiful. I thought rubber stamp carving is hard, not until I saw this beauty!!:). I LOVE LOVE your blue new kitchen wall in the earlier post too. Hugs.

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    Replies
    1. Hello, thanks so much for visiting . . . I love company:) I am delighted that you LOVE my carved gourd and my kitchen, too, for that matter. Do come again, my welcome mat is always out.
      Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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