The Decorated Gourd

Beautiful Projects & New Techniques.

Dyan Mai Peterson

There are so many easy ways to decorate gourds to create objects that are both beautiful and practical. Just as every gourd is wonderfully different, so is every project here, from baskets and bowls to lanterns and shadow boxes. Learn the traditional gourd art techniques, such as dyeing, pyrography, carving, and simple basketry, as well as exciting new ones. You’ll use many eye-catching embellishments, including woven rim treatments, buttons, beads, and wire spirals. Whether it’s something whimsical like the Vacation Clock that won’t tell time, or a design that’s simply fantastic, such as the Asian Influenced Collage Bowl with its touches of gold, you’ll never look at a gourd the same way again.