Be prepared to rediscover all of the charming and practical uses of gourd products, and to tap even deeper into that creative power of yours. While the artists and workshop instructors keep you delighted and spellbound, we’ll keep you refueled and rehydrated with a delicious li’l somethin’-somethin’ to munch on. We challenge you to find a more fun and relaxing way to spend your June 5th this year!

Vendors:

Beverly Notaro's gourd art will consist of birdhouses, ornaments. hair  barrettes made form gourd shards, cut out leaf luminaries, handpainted Santas, snowmen, Jack-o-Lanterns, and  polymer clay hand-sculpted Santa gourds.	Paul and Karen Wilson will be vending some decorative birdhouses, bird feeders, ornaments, bowls, etc.  They will also be demonstrating thier painting and wood-burning techniques.
Helen Thomas (a.k.a. The Sandlady) has raised hard shell gourds on her Indiana farm for many years.  She is regarded by many to be an expert of gourd farming and crafting.  She has a museum of many kinds of gourd art, and a day trip to her place is a great adventure.  Come see the many wonderful and unusual gourds that Helen has raised. Helen will be bringing: raw gourds, some artwork, cut raw gourds, gourd seeds and gourd info book.  She will  also be demonstrating her techniques and answering questions pertaining to the growing and harvesting of  gourds and crafting them.
Ralph Irish uses his gourds to instruct teachers how to inspire special ed students through the use of gourd crafting.  Ralph has a unique style and his work is readily recognizable.  He loves to be creative and specializes in ocean drums and musical instruments of all kinds. Rain sticks are another love of his specialties as well as kaleidoscopes (check this spelling).   His puppets are charming and have real personalities.  Come to Ralph's booth and let him entertain you with his many  creative gourd works of art.

Classes: Pre-registration for classes highly encouraged. 
For a  complete printable workshop schedule and registration form, click here 

Silk Fusion on a Gourd -- Sue Cutter. Instructor will provide - silk fiber, medium for fusion, materials for embellishment, brushes. Students should bring a small cleaned gourd, (1 or 2 no larger than 6" diameter fitted w/ a hook for hanging).  Baggies large enough to comfortably contain each finsihed gourd plus 1 extra for wet items.  A tray or cookie sheet w/ a rim (rim is imperative). Workshop fee - $25, Duration of class - 2 hours, Workshop fee - $25, minimum number of students is 3.

Beginners Woodburning -- A flower will woodburn and make a birdhouse. Students will stencil a flower on a gourd, use a 950watt woodburner pen wedge, then finish the gourd as a birdhouse.  Instructors:  Paul and Karen Wilson (Currently Region 1 folks), Kell, IL --wilsonsgourds@yahoo.com  Class size limit desired:  8 folks desired no more than 10 total. Note:  Students may bring their own woodburner pens and wedges if have that are 950 watt to class if desire.  All supplies will be provided by instructors. total fee is $20 Please note: Class time has been changed from 10 a.m. to noon

Modified Rankaku, Japanese eggshell inlay -- Rankaku, is a Japanese decorative technique using eggshells inlaid in layers of different colored paints then sanded down to reveal the different layers of paint colors, creating a design. I have modified this technique to use readily available supplies and less sanding. Learn this unique technique on this small project then you can later apply it to larger pieces as a decorative element. The instructor will have a variety of gourd cutouts to choose from, but students can also bring in their own gourd chard design if they wish instead...keep the detail to a minimum. Works well with random freeform designs as well. Students could also bring in a whole gourd and do this technique on a small area. Due to the several layers of paint that needs to be applied, and thorough drying time between layers, student brought in shapes should be kept small (no larger thank 3”x5”) in order to finish in the time permitted in class. (Picture shows an example of the project, but not the actual design.)  Workshop fee: $25. Instructor: Melanie Martin.   Instructor will provide: All materials.  Students are to bring: Hair dryer or heat gun.

Learn to draw or wood burn feathers on gourds.  Make a feather decorated gourd necklace.  cost is $21.  Instructor provides gourd shards, waxed linen, beads, ink pens, and instructions.  Two wood burners available to use.  If bringing your own wood burner,  you will need a variable temperature control wood burner and a skew tip.  Students may bring their own gourds.  Contact instructor, Bonnie Cox at 309-682-6680 or ilmidwife@comcast.net

Knotless Netting or Shekerie -- Mini Gourd Necklace --  The student will have a choice of learning knotless netting or knotting a shekerie (not shown in picture) as a project. Both techniques are done on a mini gourd using the same materials in different ways, and can later be translated to larger gourds just by changing out the materials used. Instructor will supply everything, with lots of color choices, but have favorite small beads or charms? Bring them along. Workshop fee: $25.  Instructor: Melanie Martin.   Instructor will provide: Al materials.   Students are to bring: Their eyeglasses for close-up work and their ENTHUSIASM