Water Movement

Gourds are typically very light in weight, especially if they have been cut open and 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 but it’s best to use a stand to display it to give it more stability as they can be very fragile.

 

Tips to care for your gourd art:

 

Much time has been spent preparing each gourd prior to applying the 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 lighting the interior is desired, use flameless candles or fairy lights.
• 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.