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Working with Gourds |
Many people using gourds for art or craft will purchase gourds from
a grower. These come either as dried, un-cleaned gourds, or as cleaned
gourds. In the natural process of drying, gourds become light weight and
turn from shades of green, to browns with darker patches of mold, which
is natural in the ground and on dried vegetable matter when left outside
in the weather. Much of the mold is removed in washing, and especially if
using bleach in the washing. The dried gourd is mostly cellulose, much like
cardboard and tree bark or lumber. Art and crafts as applied to gourds, includes painting, sawing, drilling, engraving, wood burning, gouging, dying, waxing, and coating to change the appearance. As in working with wood products, some people may be affected by the dust if no precautions are taken. A simple dust mask, or a fan blowing the dust away from the area will usually suffice. Those with sensitivity and allergies related to dust and mold can click here to learn more about additional precautions. While working with paints or clear coatings, one should follow precautions for the products as stated on the container. |