Cut-Out Gourd Techniques by Susan Nonn
Only $19.99
This is one book you won't want to be without
Painting Gourds w/Fairy Gourdmother
Only $16.99
Learn painting techniques as applied to gourds
Tall Milk Bottle Gourd
Only $9.75
Vases, Spirit People, variety of uses for this gourd
Wisteria Birdhouse
Only $29.95
On SALE for only $26.95
Makes an excellent gift
American Flag Birdhouse
Only $29.95
On SALE for only $27.95
Hand Painted, Sealed for Outdoor Use
Chip-Carving Gourds/Advanced Techniques, by Marilyn Rehm
Only $14.99
1/4" -#9 Gourd Carving Tool-6" palm
Only $22.95
On SALE for only $21.50
The one tool every gourd carver should own
Gourd Base Made with recycled materials
Only $2.45
Base only, light cord and bulb not included
Rattle Gourd with Handle
Only $7.25
On SALE for only $6.50
Gourd with natural handle
Box of 30 Mini Gourds
Only $25.00
While supply lasts
Long Gourd Scraping Tool
Only $10.95
This is the scraper you'll use!
Mini Jigsaw Kit
Only $146.50
On SALE for only $142.95
If you don't need the case, this kit will save you money
Hummingbird Gourd Birdhouse
Only $28.50
On SALE for only $25.95
Hand painted hummingbird on a gourd birdhouse
Royal Blue Gourd Bird House
Only $25.95
Pretty Blue Color
Long Curly Dipper Gourd
Only $10.75
On SALE for only $9.75
Every gourd is unique - mother natures craft
Baltimore Oriole Gourd Birdhouse
Only $27.95
On SALE for only $25.95
Just added in 2011 - the Baltimore Oriole Birdhouse
Light House Bird House
Only $27.95
On SALE for only $25.95
Hand painted in the USA
Tobacco Box - (6" - 8" diameter) medium
Only $8.50
On SALE for only $7.95
Buy a bunch!
Gourd Tool - Heavy Loop Scraper
Only $4.55
On SALE for only $3.95
Value priced!
Apple Gourd (5" - 6" across) medium
Only $6.95
Dried, cleaned and ready to craft!
Box of Four Finished Bird Houses
Only $69.50
SUPER BARGAIN
Gourd Crafts - 6 Projects & Patterns
Only $14.95
Great tips and helpful ideas
4 oz. bottle burgundy leather dye
Only $5.25
On SALE for only $4.85
Perfect for gourd crafts
Box full of Bird House Gourds
Only $54.95
On SALE for only $49.95
Good value, washed and craft ready
Martin (kettle) Gourd (6"- 8" diameter) medium
Only $7.85
dried, cleaned and ready to craft
Jewelry Gourds (Sennari) Bottle Style
Only $1.40
On SALE for only $1.35
Dried, Cleaned and Ready to Craft!
Creating Gourd Birds
Only $24.99
Time saving tips and patterns for many projects
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Gourd Tips and Information
How to Make a Gourd Birdhouse
When the gourd is completely dry, use a wire brush and sandpaper to clean the outside surface. Next, you should treat the gourd with a 10% solution of bleach and water. This will protect the gourd from rot and fungal molds. Handle with care and be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection! Soak the gourd in the bleach solution for 15 minutes. Remove the gourd from the solution and place on a clean surface and allow to dry. To avoid this first step, buy a gourd that has been dried and cleaned.
For an entrance, using an expansion bit or
hole saw, cut a hole* slightly above the center of the gourd. Clean out the inside of the gourd using a serrated knife to break up the pith and seeds. The gourd is now ready for finishing.
To hang the gourd drill two 1/4 inch-diameter holes at the stem end for the hanger, which may be a piece of rigid wire (such as a coat hanger) or a strip of rawhide.
Drill four or five holes in the bottom, approximately 3/8” using a drill bit, and possibly 2 or 3, 3/8” holes on the sides for drainage and ventilation.
The outside of the gourd may be finished with an oil based primer, followed by enamel paint. Lightly sand first with fine sandpaper so the primer adheres well to the surface of the gourd. White is a good color choice as the white will reflect the sun, keeping the inside of the birdhouse cool. For a more natural look, just use 2 – 3 coatings of clear polyurethane directly on the gourd.
Hang from a tree branch or from wire suspended between sturdy structures.**
*The size of the gourd and the size of the entrance will determine the type of birds that will use the gourd for their home. See
hole size chart.
**The distance from the ground will also determine what type of birds will use the gourd for their home. See
hole size chart.
Do you know why there are no perches on the gourd birdhouse?
Birds do not need a perch to enter the nest, they have such precise flying skills that they can land on the edge of the entrance opening. A perch would be an invitation for other “predator” birds to enter the nest. Therefore you do not need a perch.
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