Methods and Techniques

Here are a few images and examples of the techniques I use in my gourd carving.  I'm always experimenting with techniques to create more interesting results.

Opening a bowl with a lid

Sometimes the majority of carving is completed before any color is added. In this case, the final edges of the lid of this oak leaf bowl were sparated with a scalpel blade so that the top could be removed and the inside could be cleaned.

This allowed me to reduce the amount of dust created later on in the process and to file edges earlier so that they could be stained.

Use of a gourd saw

Before I began using a gourd saw, most fine edges were cut using a simple hand-held jigsaw blade. That was quite tedious! Vibration with a gourd saw is minimized and the small foot allows greater flexibility. Here. I'm making final cuts between willow leaves.

After the basic cuts are made, I use hand-held knives and gouges and then finish up with small files to get a nice smooth edge. I'll scrape the inside smooth as well.

Working with colors

I mostly use water-based dyes that I heat-set. Here I'm mixing colors and will cut out the leaves afterwards. This way I get to color outside the lines!

After I work with each color and heat set them at different stages, I'm ready to work up further on the neck. When complete, all negative space will be cut away, the inside cleaned and finished, edges filed, the entire piece sealed, and ready to present as a beautiful centerpiece.