FAQs
|
|
Q:
What is a gourd?
A: Gourds
come from the cucurbitacea family. This includes cucumbers,
watermelons, pumpkins and squash. There are 3 major classes: lagenaria,
or hard-shell gourd; the
cucurbita, or ornamental gourd; and the luffa, or vegetable sponge.
|
|
Q:
Are my gourds ruined if they
get “moldy”?
A: During
the drying process, the gourd loses it's high water content through the
skin.
As this happens, the gourd becomes moldy and ugly. This is the process
it goes through to develop a tough and durable shell. Handle them
carefully and place them in an “out of the way” place to continue
drying. The mold produces a mottled design which some people like.
|
|
Q:
How do I clean off the outer
skin and mold?
A: Let
your gourds soak in hot soapy water. A half hour is not too long. Then
scrub them with a
metal scrub pad like you'd use in the kitchen. You'll find that the
skin will come right off, leaving a beautiful nut-brown surface.
|
|
Q:
How do I make a gourd purse?
A: You
will need a canteen gourd with a nice round shape and a flat bottom.
Click
here for instructions and photos.
CLICK
HERE FOR MORE FAQs
|
|
