Tuesday, July 27, 2010

My Gourd Art

In case anyone has been wondering what I've been up to in the past few weeks besides fishing..... Oh yes, I've been fishing again! I'm the one that caught the only brown trout for the day also. hehe That is one hobby if you will, that is soooo relaxing and fun, especially on the White River where I live. The temp of the water doesn't get above 52 degrees so you can guess what that does for the air just above it, yep it's much cooler than the regular temp and if you do get hot just stick a hand or foot in and you'll cool off immediately.

But I digress from the point of this post...Several posts ago, I told everyone about a Gourd Festival that the hubby and I went to in Sedalia, MO. We both took classes there and I showed you the cute penquin and snow angel that I made in my class along with pics from the gourd art at the festival. Well about a month ago the second son was here with his family and I took the daughter-in-law and granddaughter to a craft show while the guys went fishing. The first thing I spotted when we entered the door was a wonderful gourd art booth! Needless to say I stopped and looked and oohed and aahed and talked to the women and was invited to come to some gourd art classes! It took me a couple of weeks but I did go to the class, which is taught by Joyce Campbell, who is an amazing gourd artist! I've been going to class for three weeks now and have a few things to show that I've made:

The picture above is a container which could be used for many things
How do you like my funky chickens? hehe And don't forget the beautiful swan!
Here's a glimpse of one of the projects I'm currently working on.......
Got any ideas on what this is going to be?
I really feel sooo honored to be taking classes with such an amazing artist and...she told me that my work is good enough to enter into a show with her in October!! Woo Hoo! I've never thought I was that talented but I'm happy for the opportunity to sell my wares, so to speak. I've got to get several pieces done in the next few weeks, 'cause I'm GOING FOR IT!

I would love to hear some input from all my blogerrette sisters and everyone else who reads my blog. Do you feel I'm a good enough artist to sell my wares or what?


Hugs XX
Barbara

44 comments:

angela said...

I think they are stunning, I would buy one.
Good on you everyone need a hobby and you are very good at yours

Deneen said...

Wow! I love them all. Yes, they are more than good enough to sell.

debi said...

Wow! I can't believe you've only been taking classes for three weeks! I'm impressed...they're gorgeous!

I say go for it! You can do it!

Scrapping With Sherry said...

Absolutely! I love the black one. (I am a huge fan of black and white) I had no idea that Gourd art could be so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your work and good luck to you! I am sure you will be a hit! It is a wonderful opportunity.

Thank you for visiting my blog this morning. I look forward to being in the bloggerette sorority and joining in on all the fun!

Take Care~ Sherry F.

Jeanne said...

Oh yes, you are good enough! I never would have thought you were a "beginner" looking at these! You have a great talent!

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Angela used the word that sprang to my mind when first I saw the black gourd, STUNNING! Absolutely, your work is great enough to enter shows and sell!

Congratulations, you've won the Jiffy yarn here at Thistle Cove Farm; please send your snail mail info to me at
thistlecovefarms at gmail dot com.

Aussie Maria said...

They are beautiful. I have not seen anything like them here in Australia

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

I think that the pieces you have created are unusual and beautiful.
You would not have any trouble selling them. Get your etsy shop set up now!!!

hugs
Sissie

Lynette Killam said...

You are most certainly ready to sell your work, Barbara! I've always loved gourds, but never thought to use them in art, yet your black gourd is stunning! As someone who lives with a chronic illness, I also know the extra challenge involved in making art when physical limitations have to be considered. Good for you!

I will come back again and see how you make out with the show. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving a lovely comment..

Lynette

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Those are amazing!
And I say go for it, you have talent for sure!
HAGD,
Cindy

VS said...

Very Cool!!!
Just found your lovely blog...so glad I stopped by. I look forward to following along with you on life's many adventures!!!
Smiles Friend,
Susie

Unknown said...

OMG...you frickn' didn't make all these. They are stunning. You should be selling them. I so miss that I'm not doing more craftie things lately like the old days. Seem to be stuck in yarn right now, but still loven' it.

Kate

You need to do a short tutorial on how this was all done. Make sure you let me know...

Cheeky Rose Boutique said...

Thank you Barbara for your words of encouragement. And of course you're right as I know that it is the love of God with His tender mercies that get me through each day. Stay Blessed! Jan

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh wow, You have been busy!!!! And in only 3 weeks! That is amazing!!

I've got some new news on my blog (Whimsical Musings) that I couldn't wait for you to see!
I hope you might link these pics up on the 8th...people would really love them!!!!
Hugs,
Cindy

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Barbara,
I just popped over to say hi and hope you had a good weekend!!!
Hugs,
Cindy

Anonymous said...

There is a book on gourd 'art' in our library and I checked it out awhile ago. I saw some wonderful things in it....but you take the cake (with frosting) for your gourds. Outstanding!
Thanks for coming over to see me (and the sculptures).
Are you really from FLIPPIN Arkansas? Funny...
Fish on (or not)!!
Hugs,
Jan

Cortney said...

They are beautiful, I really love the black container and it looks like the mystery peice will be equally stunning!

Lisa said...

Oh Barbara,
I think your work is amazing! I love the chicks and the swan. And Santas and snowmen would be cute too! I think you ought to go for it!!!! Good luck, Friend. Keep us posted.:)

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Barbara,
Thanks so much for coming over to visit! I was so surprised about that challenge...how amazing was that?
(I couldn't believe it!)

I hope you are doing great and it's always great to see you!
Hugs,
Cindy
xoxox

Gail said...

Oh Barbara, they are beautiful, I can't wait to see the one with the leaves (I love leaves). The swan, looks like the real thing. It is exciting to see someone else who is stepping out. Thank you for your encouragement for my Rustic-chic. I hope I do it as much justice as you are doing the gourds.
Hugs
Gail

Lallee said...

Barbara, I love your gourd art. That black piece is stunning! I can tell I'm going to really like the leaf piece. Can't wait to see. Enjoy the class!

Char said...

Barbara, I think your gourds are just amazing and you are doing a great job. As a basket weaver, I have checked into gourd art, but somehow went into a different direction entirely. You are making me think twice. Beautiful work, Char

Nancy's Daily Dish said...

How interesting! I have seen bird feeders made from gourds but you've introduced me to a whole new category of decorative items! I love the box!

I say if you enjoy creating from the gourds, then go for it. You could even put some on Etsy! It's only .20 for a four month listing and then about a 3% fee if it sales.

Best wishes and have fun creating!

Nancy

Karen said...

I LOVE your funky chickens!
And I agree! GO FOR IT!
Listen to me - I am too chicken to ty and sell anything I've created . . . LOL.
Great job! karen ~ Some days are diamonds

Unknown said...

I am with Sherry - the black one is my fave (all of them are beautiful!). Put them out there - you never know what may happen. Most importantly - do what you love! *HUGS* Heidi

Home and Heart said...

Just AMAZING!! from fancy box to the lovely swan!! You would never know it started as a humble gourd!

Anonymous said...

Hi Barbara! Oh, your gourd work is beautiful. I could certainly see why your teacher would tell you that. Each piece is just wonderful. I believe you're working on a little pumpkin gourd for fall!!
Thanks for popping in to see me.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh wow, Barbara,
I'm so happy you hooked this up--it is amazing!!! And I'm so proud of you for such an exquisite design! Wow!!!
Love & hugs,
Cindy

Cindy Adkins said...

P.S. I love how you put the jeweled accent in...wow!
It is very dreamy...AND this is something that you don't see anywhere which makes it totally unique, which is even more fantastic!!!!

NancyC said...

You are making such beautiful things with those gourds--those are wonderful!

Allison said...

barbara- these gourds look so pretty. you are doing such a great job, so keep up the good work. i can't wait to see other gourds you paint. i hope you'll keep showing us here.

Terry said...

Love your gourd art! The funky chickens are just too cute! We use to have a gourd festival and yours would be big sellers!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

wow...that is amazing. I have seen gourd art before and it was nothing like what you are doing...love it!

Lynn Stevens said...

Absolutely!!!you should enter the show andd sell your gourds. i'm guessing the one with leaves will be a bird house?
I used to judge the gourds competition at The Idaho woodcarving show and you would have taken a ribbon for sure, Best of luck, but you don't need it!

Cathy said...

Hi Barbara,

It was lovely to drop by and visit your blog this morning. When Kenny G. started playing it reminded me of the warm Sunday's I used to go on my brother's boat and just enjoy the sun and listen to Kenny G on a hot Summer Sunday. And to see that we are both Yanni fans! I have all of his albums.

I'm glad you dropped by and enjoyed my blue hydrangeas. Have a great weekend my friend.

Cathy

The French Bear said...

Barbara, your work is stunning! I love the black dish, that is so beautiful!!!! wow, you have talent my dear!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Stephanie said...

I can't believe that is made from a gourd. So pretty!!!

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Barbara,
How are you doing? Good, I hope! And I hope you are enjoying doing all your art--so, so pretty!! I've been busy all week trying to get this room done...it is a big job...making an art center--what a mess.lol...
But, now that I've gotten things organized, life should be easier!
Have a beautiful weekend and I LOVE hearing from you!!!
Hugs,
Cindy

Unknown said...

Hi Barbara, it's so good to see all those awesome gourds..I grew them one year thinking I could make all kinds of things outta them...but didn't...BAD...I appreciate all you share with me when you visit my blog...your incouragement helps so much sweetie!!! Hugs..

Theresa said...

Love your gourds Barbara! I can't believe how lovely they are! Thanks for stopping by and leaving your sweet comment! Enjoy your evening my friend! HUGS!

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Barbara,
I'm poppin on here really quick because something is wrong with my computer...just want to say "hi" in case I'm not on for a few days...
Love,
Cindy

Doris Sturm said...

Oh, my, your work is magnificent...I love it. It looks so refined - I like it a lot better than the other primitive type gourd art. This looks great. I was so impressed with that elegant, dark (black or eggplant) colored gourd and the swan just blew me away...the chickens are adorable...this is great stuff!

So I take it you go fly fishing in the rivers instead of bait fishing then? My uncle in Germany (my dad's youngest brother) used to bring us home rainbow trout and freshwater eel. I love certain fish (the mild tasting ones) but I'm not into fishing, but my dog loves to watch people fish! (isn't that funny?)

Can't wait to see what other wonderful artwork you'll be carving out of those gourds.

CrochetQueen said...

Barbara, Your newest bowl is absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing. I have a gourd that was given to me with crochet on it!

Beedeebabee said...

OMG Barbara!...You should certainly "go for it"! Your work is awesome! Can't wait to see this next piece also! xo Paulette