Gourd Workshop

I spent Saturday morning with Suzi Nonn (www.gourdlady.com ) learning about gourd decorating with dyes and vinyl. 

She provided a clean and cut gourd for everyone.  Vinyl cutouts were placed on the gourd in whatever pattern we desired.  I used circular gear-like shapes. 

The second step was to apply color to the gourd using alcohol inks and felt pads.  Once the color was applied over the whole gourd the stencils were removed to reveal the natural gourd surface. 

A row of small holes were drilled along the edge of the gourd.   Several rows of seagrass were attached to the rim using sinew to complete the gourd.

Common Ground on the Hill 2016

I spent the past two weeks participating in Common Ground on the Hill at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD.

The days are filled with art, music, laughter, and discussions as people from all walks of life come together to learn, share  and grow. 

Week one I taught a group how to weave a Key Basket.  The students took the basic design and made it their own by adding colored reed as they desired.  Everyone completed a lovely Key Basket that they were proud of.













Week two I taught another group how to weave an Egg Basket.  Many had never woven a basket before the class.    Student had a choice between a 10 inch or a 12 inch hoop to begin their basket.  They also could select the color combinations  of their choice to weave their basket.  They also were taught a variety of decorative handle techniques from which to wrap the basket handle.  Two women raised chickens and intended to use their baskets for collecting eggs.

All the completed baskets were displayed as part of the final day's Student Art Show. 

It was a great two weeks and I'm already looking forward to next year.  Consider joining me in 2017 at Common Ground on the Hill!