2008 Ohio Gourd Show Workshops
 Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 26-28

Friday  -- All Day Classes
1.  Create a Gourd Drum – This workshop will take the student step-by-step through the creation of a functional gourd drum.  Attention is paid mainly to construction techniques, with artistic embellishment a secondary consideration.  A gourd, drum head, string, ring, and all necessary tools will be furnished.  Bring a dust mask if gourd dust affects you.  Please let the instructor know if you wish to use your own gourd so that a properly sized drum head can be provided.

Instructor:  Sue Westhues       Level:  All        Cost:  $90
Time:  Fri. 9am – 5pm w/lunch break.   Finished size:  10” or larger.
2.  Dragon Mother Gourd – Each student will create a wood-burned dragon mother around a gourd. She is guarding an open cave (hole in the gourd) and her eggs. The mother dragon wraps around the gourd with her tail coming up over the cave. The project is done in color and includes cutting the cave, making the dragon’s nest, and painting the dragon and her eggs. She and her eggs have some metallic paints for an eye-catching piece. The instructor provides the gourds (including 3 egg gourds - if more eggs are wanted, please bring them), all paint and other supplies. Students should bring wood burners if they have them - a limited number of loaners will be available.

Instructor:  Cheryl Dow       Level:  All       Cost:  $65.00
Time:  Fri. 9am – 5 pm w/lunch break   Finished size:  Med. birdhouse gourd.


Friday Morning Classes
4. Reed and Yarn - Learn to coil with something readily available - reed! Begin with a pre-dyed and sealed gourd, then alternate coiling with round reed and quality yarns. The project is easy and fun! The gourd, reed, yarn and waxed linen are provided by the instructor. Students are asked to bring scissors. 

Instructor:  Susie Billingsley     Level:  All       Cost:  $55.00
Time:  Fri. 19 am – noon     Finished size:  Approximately 10” by 10"
5. Stippling - Pictures from Dots - Students will learn the Victorian art form of stippling, rendering pictures using permanent ink to make dots. There will be a choice of several pictures to reproduce. The instructor furnishes gourds, handouts and pens (all supplies needed). 

Instructor:  Karen Hundt Brown     Level:  All        Cost:  $45.00
Time:  Fri. 9 am - noon      Finished size:  Approximately 4”x 4” or 4”x 6”
6. Beaded Bowl - Students will learn to apply beadswax to bowl, transfer pattern and inlay beads using the Huichol beading technique. The instructor furnishes everything needed for the project (gourd bowl, beadswax, beads, beading tool, beading mat, pattern and instruction sheet.

Instructor:  Sandra Butler     Level:  All          Cost:  $50.00
Time:  Fri. 9 am - noon 
7. Martin House Leaf Gourd - Students will learn techniques in layout, wood burning, chipping and carving on a martin house gourd. Students should bring: 1) Wood Burner (controlled heat wood burner preferred.); 2) Sweep Gouge 6 mm is best; 3) V Gouge 1-2 mm is best; and 4) heavy leather glove (to protect the “holding hand”). The instructor furnishes the martin house gourd, tracing paper, leaves and pencils for layout and Stain.

Instructor:  Marlene Fowler     Level:  All        Cost:  $45.00
Time:  Fri. 9am – noon      Finished size: Med. martin house

Friday Afternoon Classes
8. Pine Needle Rim bowl with Metallic Leaves - Create a beautiful background finish before adding lovely metallic gold, bronze and copper leaves. Weave a pine needle rim to finish the project. The instructor furnishes all supplies (prepared gourd, instructions, picture, pine needles, waxed linen, needle, metallic paint, brushes and pens). Students should bring an apron and paper towels. Brushes available for class use may be purchased at the end of class if desired.

Instructor:  Elizabeth Scesniak    Level: All       Cost:  $55.00
Time:  Fri. 1pm – 5pm      Finished size:  Approx. 5" x 8"
9. Weaving with Waxed Linen - Learn to weave a decorative rim/top on a cannonball-sized gourd. Colorful linen thread will bring out the natural beauty of the gourd by providing a striking contrast with the smooth gourd shell. All materials are furnished by the instructor, but students are asked to bring scissors. 

Instructor:  Susie Billingsley     Level:  All      Cost:  $50.00
Tme:  Fri. 1pm – 5pm    Finished size:  4” x 5” 
10. Luffa Gourd Soap - Have some good, clean fun and learn to make simple and useful gifts from gourds. Make a bar of luffa soap with color and fragrance. Bonus!- While the soap cures we will make earrings from luffa seeds. All materials and a handout sheet are provided by the instructor. Many additional ideas will be shown to spark your own creativity with gourds.

Instructor: Jane Weller     Level:  All     Cost:  $20.00
Time:  Fri 1 pm -3 pm      Finished size: One 3” round bar of soap
11. Polymer Clay Father Christmas - Learn to sculpt a detailed Santa face and hat. Bake and paint the “Father Christmas” banana gourd, and finish the ornament in class. The instructor furnishes all supplies and materials. 

Instructor: Karen Hundt Brown      Level:  All       Cost:  $50.00
Time:  Fri. 1 pm - 5 pm      Finished size:  Approximately 6” to 10” long
12. Dyes, Gels, Glazes, Wood Texture, Pigments, Waxes and How to Use Them - Learn creative ways to use ink dyes, gel mediums, gel glazes, embossing compound, pigments, waxes and stencils. Rather than completing a single project, we will be making a sampler, focusing on learning techniques for using a variety of artist grade products. Let this class be a springboard for your creativity as we mix and match to create texture and color. We will be working with:
Ink Dyes; application techniques and blending.
  • Gel Glazes; how to use as highlight and mixing with color.
  • Gel mediums, Opulence; how to achieve textures from ceramic raku to hammered metal, blending, toning, stenciling.
  • Wood texture; use as embossing paste, with stencils, adding texture.
  • Pure Color; how to use this pure pigment to create an endless custom color palette. Find out how to use Pure Color with various mediums; paint, gels, varnish, wood filler, and how to make your own ink dye-like product in your choice of colors. 

    •         The instructor furnishes Cleaned gourd and all needed supplies. Students should bring gloves, small brushes (round and flat), a wood burning tool and a heat tool. The instructor will have 2 each of these tools for sharing, but if students bring their own tools there will be less waiting in class.

    Instructor:  Mary Segreto     Level:  All      Cost:  $50.00
    Time: Fri. 1pm – 5pm.      Finished size:  6” - 8”
    13. Wood Burned Mini Gourd Necklace - Students are taught how to select and prepare a mini gourd for a necklace. They also learn how to select and prepare a suitable geometric pattern to fit the gourd being used. Students are shown techniques and procedures in fine-line drawing and shading using a variable heat-controlled wood burner. All phases in creating a unique piece of gourd jewelry are covered in this class with generous amounts of demonstrations and verbal encouragement. One-on-one experiences are emphasized. Detailed work in this class is required but the techniques and procedures taught are easy to learn and are usable in crafting larger gourds. This is a good class for learning basic techniques in wood burning. The instructor will have one extra Detail Master control unit and 5-A and 10-A pens available for class. Students should bring any brand of wood burner with variable heat control and pen with tip similar to the Detail Master 10-A pen. All other materials will be furnished. 

    Instructor:  Joe Lee      Level:  All        Cost:  $50.00
    Time: Fri. 1pm – 5pm      Finished size: Approx. 1 ¾” x 2 ¼” 

    Saturday Morning Classes
    14. Beaded Bowl - Students will learn to apply beadswax to a bowl, transfer a pattern and inlay beads using the Huichol beading technique. The instructor supplies everything needed for the project (gourd bowl, beadswax, beads, beading tool, beading mat, pattern and instruction sheet.

    Time: Sat. Instructor:  Mary Rose Mansour   Level:  All        Cost:  $50.00
    Time:  Sat. 9 am - noon 
    15. Kissing Points Design Technique - Students will execute the kissing points design first on paper, then on a gourd. This technique is taught with the permission of its originator, Joy Sutton. During the workshop, students will use regular pencils, colored pencils, a wood burning tool, paints and brushes to complete the project. Students should bring a temperature-controlled wood burner. The instructor furnishes all other materials and supplies. 

    Instructor:  Diane Nicholson     Level:  All        Cost:  $40.00
    Time:  Sat. 9 am - noon      Finished size: Approximately 6” x 4 ½”
    16. Carved Maple Leaf Pin - Participants will learn the basics of power carving with gourds. In the class, students will make a maple leaf pin and carve the details to give the pin a life-like appearance. After carving the leaf, a variety of dyes or stains will be available to finish the pin. Students should bring dust masks. Anyone having a mini jigsaw is encouraged to bring it as well. The instructor furnishes rotary tools and bits, gourd pieces, and all finishing products. 

    Instructor: Karen Hundt Brown      Level: All     Cost: $45.00 
    Time:  Sat. 9 am - noon      .
    17. Gourd Workbasket - Make your own workbasket using a large martin house gourd, hand carved white oak handles and reed. Finish the basket by embellishing with beads. Students will learn to attach a rim and handle, drill holes and learn to lace with reed. The instructor furnishes all materials (drills, gourds, handles, reed and beads). Students should bring scissors. 

    Instructor:  Susie Billingsley     Level:  All      Cost:  $55.00
    Time:  Sat. 9 am - noon      Finished size:Approximately 12” x 14"
    18. Luffa Gourd Soap  - Have some good, clean fun and learn to make simple and useful gifts from gourds. Make a bar of luffa soap with color and fragrance. Bonus!- While the soap cures we will make earrings from luffa seeds. All materials and a handout sheet are provided by the instructor. Many additional ideas will be shown to spark your own creativity with gourds.

    Instructor:  Jane Weller     Level:  All       Cost:  $20.00
    Time:  Sat. 9 am -11      Finished size: One 3” round bar of soap
    19. Pine Needle Rim bowl with Metallic Leaves - Create a beautiful background finish before adding lovely metallic gold, bronze and copper leaves. Weave a pine needle rim to finish the project. The instructor furnishes all supplies (prepared gourd, instructions, picture, pine needles, waxed linen, needle, metallic paint, brushes and pens). Students should bring an apron and paper towels. Brushes available for class use may be purchased at the end of class if desired.

    Instructor:  Elizabeth Scesniak      Level:  All        Cost:  $55.00
    Time:  Sat. 9 am - noon      Finished size: 5" x 8"
    21. Egg Gourd - Beginning to End - Students will first learn to “green scrape” an egg gourd. Next, you will learn to sand, drill and paint (using acrylic paint) a bird on the egg gourd. Several bird patterns will be available. Finally, the gourd will be hand-waxed. All supplies and materials will be provided, including a box and crinkle paper. If you have a favorite brush and pocket knife, you are invited to bring them.

    Instructor:  Diana Barnowski      Level:  All        Cost:  $40.00
    Time:  Sat. 9 am - noon      Finished size: Medium egg gourd

    Saturday Afternoon Classes
    22. Cottage Bird House - Welcome the birds to your back yard with this delightful cottage birdhouse that includes a place for a personalized welcome sign. The instructor furnishes all supplies (prepared gourd, instructions, picture, paint, brushes). Students should bring an apron and paper towels. Brushes available for class use may be purchased at the end of the class if desired. 

    Instructor:  Elizabeth Scesniak      Level:  All        Cost:  $50.00
    Time:  Sat. 1 pm -5 pm      Finished size: 5" x 8"
    23. Trick or Treat - Join this workshop to make two (or three if time permits) Halloween ornaments from three different gourds. There are witches and ghouls to frighten away evil-doers. Students will paint the gourds and add embellishments to complete the pieces. The Instructor furnishes all supplies. Students should bring happy faces!

    Instructor:  Karen Hundt Brown     Level:  All        Cost:  $45.00
    Time:  Sat. 1 pm -5 pm      Finished size:Up to 6” ea.
    24. Butterflies - Woodburn butterflies to a martin house gourd using pyrography paper and a special pen (available from the Caning Shop). The instructor furnishes the paper, pattern and paint; and will have one or two wood burners and pens for use by the class. Students should bring a wood burner, pen and martin house gourd. Gourds and wood-burning pens may be purchased at the show. 

    Instructor:  Yvonne Miller     Level:  All        Cost:  $44.00
    Time:  Sat. 1 pm - 3:30 pm 
    25. Egg Gourd - Beginning to End - Students will first learn to “green scrape” an egg gourd. Next, you will learn to sand, drill and paint (using acrylic paint) a bird on the egg gourd. Several bird patterns will be available. Finally, the gourd will be hand-waxed. All supplies and materials will be provided, including a box and crinkle paper. If you have a favorite brush and pocket knife, you are invited to bring them.

    Instructor:  Diana Barnowski     Level:  All        Cost:  $40.00
    Time:  Sat. 1 pm -4 pm      Finished size: Medium egg gourd
    26. Martin House Leaf Gourd - Students will learn techniques in layout, wood burning, chipping and carving on a martin house gourd. Students should bring: 1) Wood Burner (controlled heat wood burner preferred.); 2) Sweep Gouge 6 mm is best; 3) V Gouge 1-2 mm is best; and 4) heavy leather glove (to protect the “holding hand”). The instructor furnishes the gourd, tracing paper, leaves and pencils for layout and Stain.

    Instructor:  Marlene Fowler     Level:  All        Cost:  $45.00
    Time:  Sat. 1 pm -5 pm      Finished size: Med. martin house
    27. Gourd and Paper - Students begin with a painted, sealed and drilled gourd; and learn to weave with artists’ watercolor paper. Paper for class will be pre-painted, but directions will be given for painting and cutting paper. A rim will be added and beads and an embellishment will finish off the project. The instructor furnishes all materials needed (gourd, paper, waxed linen thread, embellishments, beads and the pattern). Students are asked to bring scissors. 

    Instructor:  Susie Billingsley     Level:  All        Cost:  $65.00
    Time:  Sat. 1 pm -5 pm      Finished size: Approx. 8” x 14”.
    28. Pretty Pail - Make a pretty pail for your autumn decorating. Cut an apple gourd into a pail and attach a rope handle. Decorate with natural materials. Great for holding shell nuts, silverware, candy or a dried arrangement on your harvest table. The instructor furnishes all supplies needed (apple gourd, rope, natural materials, glue, sandpaper, sinew and finish). Students should bring a mini jigsaw, dust mask or respirator and cleaning tools for the interior of the gourd. 

    Instructor: Jane Weller      Level:  All        Cost:  $40.00
    Time:  Sat. 1 pm -5 pm      Finished size: Approx. 8"x12"
    29. Hawaiian Quilt Pattern on a Gourd - Create a beautiful, unique and different kind of pattern on a gourd! Students will burn Hawaiian quilt patterns on a cannonball gourd. Using a variable temperature wood burner and suitable pens, students will learn fine line burning and shading techniques to create a beautiful and unusual work of art. Generous amounts of demonstrations and verbal encouragement are offered in this class. The work requires attention to detail. Because of time limits, only one of the five patterns that cover the gourd will be finished in class. Those who are more advanced in wood burning may continue on any of the remaining patterns. All are expected to finish the project gourd at home at their leisure. The instructor will have one extra Detail Master control unit and 5-A and 10-A pens available for use in class. Students should bring any brand of wood burner with variable heat control and pens with tips similar to the Detail Master 5-A and 10-A pens. All other materials will be furnished. 

    Instructor:  Joe Lee      Level:  Intermediate and Advanced       Cost:  $65.00
    Time:  Sat. 1 pm -5 pm      Finished size: Approx. 4 ¾” diameter

    Sunday Afternoon Classes
    30. Luffa Gourd Soap  - Have some good, clean fun and learn to make simple and useful gifts from gourds. Make a bar of luffa soap with color and fragrance. Bonus!- While the soap cures we will make earrings from luffa seeds. All materials and a handout sheet are provided by the instructor. Many additional ideas will be shown to spark your own creativity with gourds.

    Instructor:  Jane Weller     Level:  All       Cost:  $20.00
    Time:  Sun. 1 pm -3 pm      Finished size: One 3” round bar of soap
    31. Glue, Bleach, Carve and Burn It! - End your gourd show experience in Greenville with this fast paced, kick-tail project. To complete the project students will glue the gourd, remove dye with bleach, carve a border and burn around it to highlight the artwork. This one is fun as well as exciting!

    Instructor:  Susie Billingsley     Level:  All        Cost:  $55.00
    Time:  Sun. 1 pm -5 pm      Finished size: Approx. 12” x 12”.
    32. Baseball Santa - Create a Santa figure with baseball hat and ball. Paint, pattern and brushes are furnished so that you can decorate your martin house-shaped gourd. Students should bring their own clean gourds, which may be purchased at the Show.

    Instructor:  Yvonne Miller     Level:  All        Cost:  $40.00
    Time:  Sun. 1 pm -5 pm 
    33. Color Pencil Flowers - In this workshop, students will learn the technique called “scrumbling". Using this technique, flowers will be rendered on a gourd. The instructor furnishes pencil sets, gourds and handouts. Participants need only bring smiles!

    Instructor:  Karen Hundt Brown     Level:  All        Cost:  $45.00
    Time:  Sun 1 pm -5 pm      Finished size: Approx. 6”x 6”
    35. Egg Gourd - Beginning to End - Students will first learn to “green scrape” an egg gourd. Next, you will learn to sand, drill and paint (using acrylic paint) a bird on the egg gourd. Several bird patterns will be available. Finally, the gourd will be hand-waxed. All supplies and materials will be provided, including a box and crinkle paper. If you have a favorite brush and pocket knife, you are invited to bring them.

    Instructor: Diana Barnowski     Level:  All        Cost:  $40.00
    Time:  Sun 1 pm - 4 pm      Finished size: Medium egg gourd

    Workshops have limited space. Please register early to get your first choice of workshops.

    Registration form ( will open in a new window for ease in printing.)