GOURD WORKSHOP, mid-day

mid-day   GOURD WORKSHOP

Thursday, August 20, noon.

Here’s another ancient skill that you’ll enjoy learning.  Botanists know that the “ornamental gourds” came out of Africa, and somehow made it to the American south, and spread to the Southwest.  How they got to the Americas is a matter of debate — some say they simply floated, but it’s very likely that they simply came on one of the many boats from Africa that came to the Americas in the pre-Columbian era.

You will get to choose a gourd, and learn all the steps necessary to clean, cut, sand, and create a funtional product.

Each person will work on turning an ornamental gourd into a bowl for eating, or perhaps a canteen, ladle, or plate.

There are several skill sets involved, and we’ll talk you through them so you’ll understand the mechanics of making a gourd that you’ll be happy to use.

We’ll bring tools, but if you have a good knife, hacksaw, fine files, bring them!  Not a highly-complicated craft, but requires patience.  You will select a gourd that we bring, and clean it, decide where to cut it — no two gourds are alike  — and then clean the inside and smooth the sharp edges. You’ll end up with a new skill and a bowl or dish that you can use right away.

You’ll also get to take seeds home so you can grow your own if you have the space.

$45.   [$30 for seniors/students]    RSVP for this one so we bring enough gourds!   Location given after you register.