Long Curly Dipper Gourd
Only $10.75
dried, cleaned, and ready to craft
Gourd Jack O Lantern Kit
Only $35.95
Make your own Jack O Lantern that will last for years
Box of 4 large Martin (Kettle) Gourd-Washed
Only $36.50
One of our best sellers!
Circle of Life - Chip Carved Gourd Birdhouse
Only $32.75
On SALE for only $27.75
Classic Indie Style Gourd Birdhouse
Decorating Gourds, Carving, Burning, Painting, and More
Only $14.95
Great book for any level
Jewelry Gourd-Starter box (25)
Only $20.00
A great value for many projects
Variety pack of washed gourds
Only $72.95
Great way to try different types of gourds
Heavy Duty Piercing Tool
Only $3.59
Great all purpose gourd tool
Mini Jigsaw Kit
Only $135.95
If you don't need the case, this kit will save you money
Jewelry Gourd (Tennessee Spinners)
Only $1.25
dried, cleaned, and ready to craft
Gourd Carving Kit
Only $69.95
Save money by buying the kit!
6' plug-in light cord w/ switch and socket (metal prong type) - white
Only $4.50
On SALE for only $4.25
Make your own nightlights and jack-o-lanterns
Historic Gourd Craft
Only $14.95
Primitive ideas for gourd crafting
Gourd Base Made with recycled materials
Only $2.45
Base only, light cord and bulb not included
4 oz. bottle red leather dye
Only $4.50
Perfect for Gourd Crafting!
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Gourd Tips and Information
Halloween Gourd Craft Project - Making a Gourd Jack o'Lantern Below, you will find instructions on how to design and make a jack-o-lantern from a hard shell gourd. Gourds make a better jack o'lantern because they can last forever. You may choose to use a pattern or draw freehand directly onto the gourd.
You will need:
- a clean dried gourd
- orange and black leather dye
- light cord and bulb
- drill, jigsaw, exacto knife
- 1" hole saw
- 5/16" or 1/4" drill bit
- pencil, and pattern (optional)
- heavy metal spoon
- Shellac, Varnish or Polyurethane Sealer
If you already have the tools, the craft items needed to make the gourd jack-o-lantern can be purchased here for about $20.00, depending on the size of the dried gourd you choose. This demonstration is shown using a Birdhouse Gourd (also called Martin or Kettle), however other gourds such as bushel or apple also work well.
Draw and Cut
Select your clean dried gourd. Using a pencil, draw your design onto the gourd. If you want a very detailed design, free jack-o-lantern patterns can be found and printed here. Start by cutting the lid (hat) off so you can clean out the gourd. Use an exacto knife to start a slot that your jigsaw blade will fit through. That way you won't see a hole from a drill bit when you're finished. Insert the jigsaw blade through the slot, and cut by following the lines you drew onto the gourd. |
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Clean the Inside
Remove the lid and clean out the gourd with the heavy metal spoon. Try to remove all the pith and seeds. It helps to make some cross cuts into the pith with a knife.
Continue cutting out your design with the jigsaw. Drill some holes in the eyes, nose and mouth so you can insert the jig saw blade. |
Drill
Use a 1" hole saw to drill the hole for the light. Select a spot under the lid in the back, about 1" down from the top of the body, for your hole. If you don't have a 1" hole saw, an inexpensive hole saw kit may be purchased here, or you can use a spade bit. A hole saw makes a much cleaner hole. |
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Dye
Once you've finished with all the cuts, it's time to wipe off the gourd with a damp cloth and start dying. An applicator comes with the 4 oz. bottles of leather dye, however, it's easier with a lambswool swatch. Use the black leather dye for the hat and orange for the body. The body may take two coats. A 4 oz. bottle of leather dye will do up to 20 jack-o-lanterns. Let the dye dry for a couple hours. Then wipe with a cloth.
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Seal
Spray the whole gourd with a sealer to protect it from the elements and make it last for many years. I like to use Bullseye Shellac because it sprays on nicely, gives the jack-o-lantern a healthy shine, and it's less expensive than some of the other sealers. Spray polyurethanes also work well if you already have them on hand. |
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Enjoy
Once the sealer is dry, (about 1 hour for the shellac), insert the light cord by pushing it through the 1" hole until the metal prongs grab the gourd firmly. Screw in the light bulb, plug it in, and admire your gourd jack-o-lantern.
We do not recommend using candles in your gourd jack o'lantern because they will burn if left unattended. |
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