Purple Columbines

Gourds are typically very light in weight, especially once the inside has been cleaned out like this piece. You can weigh it down by placing a rock inside of it if desired. In some cases I have sanded it fairly flat on the bottom, it’s best to use a stand to display it to give it stability.

 

Tips to care for your gourd art:

Hours are spent cleaning each gourd prior to applying a design. Then, the finest dyes, stains, paints, and varnishes are used to create a high-quality and durable finish. Nevertheless, please keep in mind these important points:

• Never use a flame in the gourd. If a candle is desired, use flameless.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to reduce the possibility of fading or discoloration. Even with the best finishes with UV filters, colors may fade.
• Do not expose the gourd to the weather.
• Handle the gourd as you would china or glassware – gourds can crack or break if dropped or subjected to impact.
• Use a soft lint-free cloth to lightly dust the surface of the gourd. Do not use water or household cleaning chemicals.
• Interior surfaces tend to be rougher in texture, and will collect dust. Gently blow out the interior periodically – you can use a can of compressed air such as those intended for cleaning computer keyboards.