Fall Decorating

I love fall, one of my favorite times of year.  Except for the constant rain we are having this September, getting old.  My straw bales are getting mold growth on them.  It is easier to decorate indoors for me.  I use my dried gourds throughout my home for a real fall feeling.  The colors are added with leather dye, then I seal them with a coat of polyurethane.  Lasts forever, never get moldy and I can use next year.  Lots of fun to make and decorate with.  Robin @ Amish Gourds

Washing Gourds for Crafting

Dried gourds can be purchased either washed "cleaned" or unwashed "dirty".  The unwashed gourds are covered with a layer of dirt and mold that will wash off of some of the types of gourds, fairly easily.

• Never store unwashed gourds inside of your home, basement or garage - they have mold growing on them.
• If possible, allow the unwashed gourds to lay outside in the rain before scrubbing, it loosens up the dirt on the outside.
• Soak gourds for about 1/2 hour before scrubbing, you may want to cover with a wet towel to hold them down and keep the whole surface wet.
• Use a kitchen scrubby to scrub off the outer dirt.  I wear rubber gloves and a dust mask while doing this, and prefer to do outside in the warmer temperatures because it is a messy job.
• After cleaning and rinsing, allow to air dry completely before using for your projects.

If you wash a lot of gourds, you may want to invest in a power washer and a large wire basket of some sort. A crab or lobster trap would work well to hold the gourds in place while power washing.

I love to see the beautiful colors of the gourds after all of the dirt is washed away!

Looking for gourd craft ideas

Gourds are the greatest craft media and are really popular because of all of the different things that can be made with them.  What are your favorite craft ideas for working with gourds?  I am always looking for new suggestions.