Monday, January 3, 2011

Hello My Blogger Friends

As you can see by the link on my sidebar to Cindy Adkins "I Owe It All To Him" featured blog artist button, yes my very kind friend has featured me on her blog. I feel so honored that she would think of me. Cindy is just that kind of wonderful person that anyone who has met her here in blogland knows is just the sort of special person that you really need in your life. She lifts her blogger friends up and genuinely cares for them. She has been such a great supporter of my gourd art that I would like to show you a few more of the pieces that I completed before Christmas:



Each gourd that I work with is grown here in the Ozarks. After growing for three months the gourd is left on the vine until the vine turns brown. Once the green gourd is harvested, it must dry over a period of another two - four months. After drying the gourd has to be cleaned by scrubbing all the mold off of it before it can be transformed. If a gourd is opened up up you must wear a mask while cleaning it or especially cutting and sanding it. I then do my thing so to speak to it. I use many different techniques on the gourds that I work with such as cutting, burning or carving and several different methods of applying color to the gourds. I've heard it said many times by artists who work with gourds that each particular gourd "speaks" to them and I have heard that call. Each one is unique and lets you know what it should become. Some gourds will set there for a long time before you figure out what they need to be, while others you know immediately. Working with gourds has really become a passion of mine and something that I truly love to create with. I thank you again Cindy for telling others about me and what I do with the humble gourd.

17 comments:

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Barbara:
Your gourds are incredible! How talented you are to be able to transform them into true things of beauty.

Thanks so much for visiting Brynwood and leaving a note for me. I still have my Engelbreit "Spot" needlework. It hangs in our dog-themed guest room. If you have the poster, you know how sweet it is.

I hope you have a great 2011, and look forward to getting to know you better. Hope you visit again soon, too!

Blessings,
Donna

Theresa said...

I believe your creations should be published in a magazine! GORGEOUS! Have a blessed day my friend! HUGS!

Unknown said...

Wonderful work Barbara ! Isn't Cindy a sweet heart ?

Eileen The Artful Crafter said...

They're beautiful, Barbara. I especially love the cut work.

You must have incredible patience. There's so much waiting and prep work to working with gourds.

All the best to you in 2011!

Deneen said...

Barbara, they're all amazing. I adore the top one and need details, size, etc.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hi Barbara, I'm visiting from Cindy's place. wow! Your gourds are absolutely gorgeous! Brings back such fond memories of my childhood. Some friends and I would use hollowed out gourds to store things in. We had little secret hiding place in the woods. :) I was 12 and that was oh so long ago. Your transformation on the gourds is absolutely beautiful. Best wishes, Tammy

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Barbara,
Awww, that is so sweet! And your gourds are gorgeous!!! I know that everyone must enjoy seeing each one...and it's so interesting how each one "speaks" to you with its own uniqueness...that is amazing!!
These are spectacular.
XO
Cindy

DeeDee said...

Barbara

Wow...I love you work...stopped by to say thanks for visitng me today...but wow I am glad I come to visit you today...have been a treat for my eyes to see so much creativity....

off to see more...

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Barbara,
I just popped over to say "hi" and hope you're doing great!!!
XO

Sue Pinner said...

Hi Barbara if you google Hundertwasser yarns you will find lots of suppliers
This is one that seems to have a lot of choices
http://www.opalsockyarn.com/Hundertwasser1.html

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Barbara,
I just got home...Jenny and I went to lunch--how fun!
I just popped over to say "hi!"
XO

Doris Sturm said...

I can tell that this is your calling because considering how long (or short) you have been doing this, you do exquisite work - truly masterful art! I love, love, love the first one with the autumn leaves...it's just perfect...they all are pretty, but I like the first one. What a great art. I'm happy for you!

Sue Pinner said...

Hi..mmmm thats the one l'm going for l think lol
Did you manage to track the yarn down ok?
Hugs x

Ellen said...

great work -- I am really fascinated. The Ozarks --- we just watched Where the Red Fern Grows and it's setting was in the Ozarks. Do they have any "tourist" stops based on the book?

Brenda said...

Wow, these are amazing!

gpc said...

Your work is incredibly beautiful. I am amazed at what beauty you make out of humble gourds!

Annesphamily said...

You work is so beautiful. Anne