Gourd Crafting Tutorial - Basic Gourd Art Techniques and Gourd Supplies

Learn basic gourd crafting techniques using some of the great gourd supplies sold by us, GourdSupplies.com

Welcome to my gourd world and my online tutorial to help you on your path to learning how to paint and decorate gourds and other crafts. This tutorial will give you some basics on using inks, paints, glazes and finishes on gourds. 

Please check out my Gourd Pyrography & Safety tutorial.

Gourd Chalk Inks and Dye Inks

The Memories Chalk Inks and Dye Inks are the most popular inks among gourd artist. The Adirondack Alcohol Inks are also very popular especially by those who like that tie dyed look. Both can be used to cover the entire surface of your gourd or you can use them for fine detail work. The colors are highly concentrated so just a drop goes a very long way. Chalk and Dye inks are semi-transparent so if you use them right out of the bottle you will have the markings on the gourd show through which creates a beautiful design. If you wish to have color that is less transparent try mixing it with a Clear Gel Glaze. The chalk and dye inks are mixable with each other with and without varnish. Just mix a drop at a time and store in a buddy cup. Start out light, a few pin drops of ink to varnish, look at my book for this. Then you add more drops of ink when you want it darker. To thin them out you should use working time extender, not water.

I recommend working in small areas and then heat drying the chalk and dye inks with a embossing heat tool before moving on to another area to avoid getting ink on your hands and clothes. Using a heat embossing tool is more effective than a hair dryer because it is more concentrated. 

Gourd chalk inks and dye inks do not work well on wood UNLESS you mix them with paint or some other medium such as paint. 

These dyes are perfect for gourd artists, scrap bookers, crafters as well as rubber stamping enthusiasts. They are not intended to be used directly on wood but can be mixed with paint or other mediums. I suggest you experiment mixing the inks and experiment on a scrap piece of wood. I have had great results mixing it with Jo Sonja paints and Generation Green base paints. Mixing with varnish will also give you a nice stained varnish. So play, have fun, experiment!

Please check out our embossing heat tool to help speed the drying process of the Memories inks. I also carry a complete line of ink applicators, cotton-tipped applicators, brushes, buddy cups, needle applicator and spray bottles, etc. They can all be found on our gourd and craft supplies and accessories page.

Check out all the inks including Memories Chalk ink and Dye inks and Adirondack Alcohol Inks, metal leafing and rubber stamps and all made in the USA.

Methods of Application

The chalk ink and dye inks are a very concentrated form of color, so you will be using very small amounts. For small areas you can begin by using one or two drops on a Cotton-tipped applicator or with a Taklon micro detail brush which are also useful for applying color to the very smallest area of your design.

Applicator cubes are convenient for applying color to larger areas. The foam 1 inch applicator cubes are my favorite, because the foam easily conforms to any surface irregularities, resulting in a smoother more complete coverage. Simply apply several drops of dye to the foam surface, and apply to the gourd for smooth streak free color. To blend and even out the color intensity, try going over the dyed surface with the foam pad using a patting motion. When you are through, cover the applicator cube, storing the remaining dye for a future use. By storing the cube upside down the dye will remain at the top of the pad, ready for the next use.

Foam brushes provide another option for applying color to large areas. Just place several drops of dye on the angled edge of the brush and spread across the surface to be colored. Blend by patting with the sponge brush or a tissue. A square of felt is another option for applying dye to larger surfaces.

Once you apply the ink you can wipe off any excess with a tissue before using a heat embossing tool to dry. 

All the applicators, tools and Maria Dellos' book on gourd dye inks listed here are available in my book store.

The metallic dye inks should be applied with a brush such as the Taklon Micro brush or for larger areas you can use a regular paint brush. Do not mix the metallic dye inks with protecting wax or use the protecting wax over the metallic dye inks it will remove them.

Drying, Blending and Color Intensity

Water based inks require longer drying time than alcohol based products such as leather dyes, (depending on the climate and the condition of the gourd itself) so I highly recommend the use of a heat tool to speed up the drying time while heat setting the dye. Although it is not essential to heat set the dyes, the use of a heat tool allows you to go on more quickly to the next step without smearing your work.

Memories inks make color blending a snap. Apply the first color, then the second color, slightly overlapping the first. Use the dry end of a  cotton-tipped applicator to blur the color lines, creating a perfect blend. If working with the colors wet doesn't give you a satisfactory blend, try heat setting the first color with a embossing heat tool, then overlapping with the second color and blending then set with the heat embossing tool.

To achieve a deeper color, dry the first ink application with a heat embossing tool and then reapply. Repeat as needed until you have the desired depth of color, drying in between each application.

To thin the colors you can mix with protecting wax or use an extender. 

Dried, Porous Gourd Shells

Gourd shells can vary greatly in density and porosity, so results with any product will vary as well. Giving your gourd a light all over sanding with a fine grade of sandpaper (#240 is a good place to start) before applying the ink helps create a more uniform surface that absorbs color more evenly. Sanding also helps soften the natural water proof barrier that is part of the makeup of the outer shell of the gourd, while creating a very attractive, smooth surface. This can be especially helpful with very dense, hard shelled gourds.

On gourds that are dried out blending will be more difficult because they absorb color more quickly. Mixing the inks with protecting wax will allow the inks to go on easier and look better. Take a few scoops of protecting wax with a plastic spatula and add several drops of ink and mix with the spatula. If you are covering a large area it's best to use a piece of felt cloth to apply. When you have finished you can apply protecting wax, such as Minwax, over the entire surface (do not do this if you have used other products), allow to dry and buff to shine. Just as a note, Minwax natural/clear is just as good as most "protective" waxes sold by gourd supply vendors only cheaper.

Blending Colors

To achieve the effects of fall foliage for the ornaments pictured here I used gourd dye inks blended with cotton-tipped applicators.  I did not use any protecting wax because the surface of the gourd was smooth and I was working on small areas. The background was done with pine tree green applied with the flat end of a cotton-tipped applicator. As I got closer to the leaves I used the pointed tip side of the applicator. When I started working on the leaves I applied the gourd dye ink with the pointed end of a cotton-tipped applicator starting with the dark colors and working my way to the lighter colors blending in small circles as I neared the areas I wanted to blend together and then set with a embossing heat tool. I did not wipe any of this with a tissue to remove the excess before drying.  The fiery colors of the leaf were done using a combination of Memories dye inks and the Palette Hybrid dye inks. The colors used were a combination of Bordeaux and burnt umber (Palette), Sepia or Chestnut, canary, ochre and yellow (Memories). I used different combinations for each leaf so they are not exactly alike. Once the ornaments were completed I applied a glossy finish which made the colors pop!

For blending colors on larger areas you might try applying protecting wax over the entire surface and then add the colors with a felt cloth before the protecting wax dries. As you get closer to the area you want to blend together work in small circles to blend. 

Color Variations When Used on Gourds

Because of the color of the gourd shell some of the inks may not appear as they do on the color chart and may require some blending to achieve the results you are looking for. As an example, if you are using teal, turquoise or aqua and find that it has a greenish cast to it try adding a drop of blue to bring it back to the correct color. 

Test the colors on a scrap piece of gourd before using it on your project to ensure you are getting the color you want.

Adding Weight and a Base to a Gourd

I'm sure you've all had gourds that don't have a flat bottom or you want to ensure it doesn't fall over.  There's lots of tricks out there and I've heard all kinds of secrets to weighting a gourd so it doesn't fall over.  Here are some of the things I have tried.  Some are good for gourds that will not be cut open, others will work on gourds that will be open such as a bowl.  Here are some ideas you can try:

1. Using wooden coins available at Michaels, use this to stencil a hole in the bottom and cut it out. Stuff newspaper inside the gourd and push it inside so it's very tight. Add some pea gravel. It will not move around if you have stuffed the paper tight. Put the wooden coin in the hole and seal the edges using a glue gun. Add the gourd piece that you cut out and then seal with epoxy or thick (gel) CA Adhesive.
2. For a gourd with an opening I use some fishing weights and then pour in some CA Adhesive to secure them then paint the inside.
3. If the bottom is not flat, wrap some raffia or sea grass around in a small circle several times creating a flat circular base. Glue in place with epoxy or Thick (gel) CA Adhesive.
4. When completely dry paint the base to match the bottom of the gourd. This will create a flat surface as a base.

Finishing the Gourd

If you have mixed the inks with protecting wax I recommend you not apply varnish on top because it might flake off. It's best to just apply a layer of protecting wax over the entire surface of the gourd and allow it to dry and then buff to a nice sheen.

Embossing Powder

I just love using the embossing powders on gourds because it adds pizzazz and texture. They are easy and fund to use. Here's easy steps to follow:

1. lay a piece of paper underneath the object you will be embossing.
2. Apply adhesive to the area where you want the embossing powder. If you are doing it in a very small area or using the embossing powder I recommend the Zig Twin Tip adhesive pen. It will provide small, precise lines just perfect for embossing signatures, etc.
3. Take a spoon or spatula and get a small amount of embossing powder. Sprinkle over the glued area.
4. Tap off excess embossing powder onto the paper. You can then gently fold the paper to allow the excess powder to accumulate in the folded area and let it run back into the jar so you can save it for future use.
5. With a heat tool (be sure to use one with a concentrated flow) apply heat to the powder until it looks like enamel.
6. Allow it to cool and apply varnish to the gourd and cured embossing powder to give it lasting protection.

You can mix and blend embossing powders to create your own custom color combination to add more pizzazz.

Lumiere and Neopaque Paints

Click on these links for: These are wonderful Lumiere metallic and pearlescent paints and Neopaque paints that can be used for accents or all over your gourd or other crafts. 

Coming soon...how to use these great products!

Varnishes

When applying a brush on varnish such as Jo Sonja's polyurethane to finished gourds I recommend using a sponge applicator such as the sponge wedges found in the cosmetic department of your local store. 

Pour some in a small cup and dip the applicator in and dab on the gourd using a "pouncing action". It will dry almost immediately. I recommend applying a second coat in the same manner after the first coat has completely dried.

Jo Sonja Polyurethane Varnish

Jo Sonja's Polyurethane varnish is a heavy duty varnish with great durability and it's been my favorite for years. It has a urethane resin that gives strong resilience for protecting your projects. It works great on countertops and objects that endure hard use such as gourd art, children's rooms and furniture and so much more. Unlike other brands you only need 2 coats on most projects. It dries clear, will not crack and does not turn yellow. It is best stored and used between 65-80 degrees. Water based and non-toxic, contains low VOC's. Can be used with a sponge, brush or spray gun. I recommend dabbing it on with a foam wedge. Clean up with soap and water.

Combining Products

Memories Chalk and Dye Inks and Lumiere and Neopaque paints allow you to customize your own products and colors. You can combine the Memories water based dye inks, Lumiere and Neopaque paints with our other water based products including the JoSonja varnish. You can create beautiful metallic effects and custom colors by adding a drop of ink to any of the  Lumiere and Neopaque paints or varnish and mixing them in a plastic storage cup. Add Memories ink to any water based paint or varnish, a drop at a time, until the desired intensity is achieved to create your own tinted varnish.

Fixing a Crack

If the crack is in the middle of the gourd as happens when you drop one or a stress line gives, I usually drill a hole on either end of the crack to stop the crack....apply a CA Adhesive (medium or thick) on the inside and clamp slightly if possible so it doesn't get out of alignment, then I fill from the outside and/or inside with a wood filler.

Apply the Wood Texture filler to the crack, sand lightly with high grit (I use 400 grit) sandpaper until smooth. Or, you can drill holes on either sides of the crack and the ends and use some lacing, sinew, waxed threads, etc. in the holes to incorporate as part of the design.

Using a Protecting Wax and Varnishing

Mixing a protecting wax with gourd chalk and dye inks

If the skin on the gourd is dry it's best to mix the chalk and dye inks with protecting wax, such as Minwax natural, so the color comes out even and doesn't sink into the skin. Simply take some wax out with a small spatula and  place it on a palette. Add some ink directly to the wax and mix together with the spatula. You can apply a varnish over this if you wish.

Protecting Wax and Varnish Over Other Mediums

Before applying a varnish over protecting wax it's important to test it on a sample. Some mediums mixed with protecting wax will end up lifting off.

I do not recommend using wax over Lumiere and Neopaque paints, it will lift from the gourd surface so avoid using protecting wax with these products.

Protecting wax can be used over accent powders but be careful when buffing so you do not scratch them off.

It is ok to use a brush-on type varnish such as Jo Sonja polyurethane when using the Generation Green Colorant, Acrylic Paint, Memories inks (when set with embossing heat tool) and of course the Lumiere and Neopaque Paints.

I still always recommend testing everything out to ensure compatibility.

Pyrography Tutorial on Gourds

This is one of the most important tutorials you will ever read and if you read nothing else, please read this. For more information on burning gourds and safety please go to my Gourd pyrography & safety tutorial

Happy Gourding^©!

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