This class is perfect for those who want to learn how to get more out of a Dremel or other rotary carver. In this class, you'll learn about using your power rotary tool to carve sand ripples, basic relief carving, and carving for inlay. Carving safety and types of equipment will be discussed.
Bring a power rotary tool (Dremel or other brand) and any accessories you have on hand. Bring a gourd suitable for carving and your basic tool box. A mini jig saw may be helpful but is not necessary. Bring a dust mask or purchase one at class.
Suitable carving burs and other supplies will be available for purchase.
Upcoming Class Offerings
Please join my class mailing list if you are interested in updates about future class offerings.
Inlace Inlay
Not currently offered
In this class, you'll learn about using different resin inlays to decorate gourds, including making a sample stick to take home. Learn to carve and prepare a gourd, and then add the inlay material. We will also work on a gourd shard that has been previously embedded with cured resin inlay and is ready to grind and turn into jewelry or other small object.
All inlay materials will be provided, but you will need to bring a gourd, a power rotary tool (Dremel or other brand) with carving burs and a drum sander. Small power sanders are also helpful. Bring a dust mask or purchase one at class. (A vapor rated respirator is recommended for those who can't tolerate strong smells.)
Suitable carving burs and other supplies will be available for purchase.
Gourd carving classes are taught at my home in Tucson, Arizona.(Dates for Tucson classes are shown in green.) Send me an email to sign up for classes: bonniegibson@qwest.net (*Information shown is for my Tucson classes. Class cost, duration, time and other details may vary when they are taught at other locations.)
Closed Coiling Class
9 am - 4 pm $45
Not Currently Scheduled
This class will introduce you to closed coiling techniques, including how to prepare your gourd for weaving, starting and ending techniques, basic wrapping techniques, adding additional colors and threads, and figure 8 wrapping.
*Click here for complete details on the closed coiling class
Learn how to recess an area to create a "river bed". Add decorative "bubble" holes and add some small pebbles to complete the effect. If there is time, you can try some patina paint.
Students should bring a dremel, Foredom or other similar rotary tool and any burs you have on hand. Bring a small gourd (cannonballs and small canteens work great) and a good quality dust mask or purchase one at class.
Suitable carving burs and other supplies will be available for purchase.
In this class you'll learn how to design and carve a section of "filigree" into the gourd surface and will have the option of adding design elements such as butterflies, dragonflies, etc. You'll try different carving methods and burs and should complete at least one section in class.
Students should bring a gourd that is reasonably thick for carving. The gourd may be cut open, cleaned and painted inside ahead of time.
Students should bring a dremel, Foredom or other similar rotary tool, some drill bits, and any burs you have on hand. Bring a good quality dust mask. Riffler files and sanding sticks are helpful but not necessary.
(Burs, hand tools, and dust masks will also be available for purchase if needed.)
This workshop is designed for those that have taken a carving class in the past and/or feel comfortable with their power carving tools and the basic techniques. You'll learn about designing, dimensional 3-D carving, and carving with cutouts.
Bring a power rotary tool (Dremel or other brand) and any accessories you have on hand. Bring a thick gourd suitable for carving and your basic tool box. A mini jig saw may be helpful but is not necessary. Bring a dust mask or purchase one at class. More details will be provided to all registrants.
In this class, you will receive two completed pieces of fused dichroic glass to use for inlay or wire wrapping. If you'd like to inlay your piece of glass, please bring a cleaned gourd and you will learn how to carve an opening to inset the glass. You also have the option of using your glass for a piece of wire wrapped jewelry. Instruction on this technique and basic materials will be provided. Additional completed glass cabs will be available for purchase if you want extras. You will also create two small pieces of fused dichroic glass from provided materials. These pieces will be fired in a kiln at the conclusion of class, and will be returned to you at the next Tucson patch meeting or can be mailed to you if you are from out of town.
What to bring:
A cleaned gourd and a dremel tool if you want to inlay your glass.
Wirecutters, jewelry or needlenosed pliers for wirewrapping if you have them. A basic tool kit with xacto knife, pencil, sharpie marker, etc. People in the Thursday session should bring a sack lunch.
Note: Even when a class is full, spaces often open up - please email me if you want to be on a Tucson class waiting list. (For other locations, please contact the sponsoring organization.)
Read the important small print…
Class fees should be paid as soon as possible after registration. Your space in class is NOT confirmed until your payment has been received. Your class must be paid for at least two weeks in advance or your space will be released to others.
Although most of these classes have very low minimum enrollments, I will only run those classes that meet their paid student minimum by one week prior to the start date. If I cancel the class due to low enrollment or for any other reason, you will get a full refund.
If you cancel your class 2 weeks or more before the start date, you will get a full refund.
Classes that are cancelled 1-2 weeks before the start date will receive 1/2 credit in a future class or a 1/2 cash refund. If I am able to fill your slot with another student, you will receive a full refund or credit in a future class.
There will be no refund/credit on classes that you cancel within one week of the start date. (However, you may find your own replacement to cover your space if you wish.)
Basic Mask Making
Not currently scheduled
Learn about some basic mask making techniques and create your own masterpiece. You will be supplied with a kit containing all the basic materials you'll need, including a half gourd, feathers and more. (You are welcome to bring and use your own special feathers, beads or other accessories if you wish.) I will provide different types of acrylic paints and sprays, but you may bring dyes or inks if you would rather use those instead.
What to bring:
A basic tool kit with xacto knife, pencil, paintbrush, dremel, etc. (Whatever basic tools you like to use at home.) A mini saw may be helpful but is not necessary. A woodburner if you want to use one. A sack lunch.
Faux Basketry
Not currently scheduled
Learn to design and layout a gourd to use this technique effectively. Carving, woodburning and minimal use of paint will be used to create areas that will appear to be inlaid sections of coiled basketry. Students will learn the basketry technique only. Other decorative applications can be added as desired after class is over. Students should bring a dremel, Foredom or other similar rotary tool and any burs you have on hand. Bring a good quality dust mask, a woodburner and please bring a cleaned gourd that is suitable for carving.Paint will be provided.
Suitable carving burs and other supplies will be available for purchase.
Basic Drum Making
Not currently scheduled
In this class you'll learn how to make a basic drum. You will have some choices as to style of drum and types of lacing and materials.
Students should bring a gourd that is reasonably sturdy. The gourd should not flex easily when squeezed. Shape is not crucial, but it may determine the style of drum you will make. You will be provided with the proper size drum head, lacing and metal ring. Acrylic paints and sprays will be available, if you prefer to use inks or dyes you may bring your own. Bring a mini saw if you have one.
Buffalo Robe Gourd
Not Currently Scheduled
Create a Plains Indian style "Buffalo Robe" gourd that is embellished with inlaid or surface applied (your choice) beaded rosettes and faux beading. You will use a variety of painting techniques to create a distressed leather-like surface. Typical plains pictographs may be added if you wish.
Beaded rosettes and paints will be supplied. You may bring your own brushes or fine point markers if you wish to use those.
Bring a rotary tool and any burs you have on hand plus a good quality dust mask. Bring a woodburner if you have one.
Bring a small gourd, cannonballs work well for this project.
Suitable carving burs and other supplies will be available for purchase.
Peacock Feather Gourd
Not currently scheduled
Inlay a piece of dichroic glass (provided) and create a striking peacock feather design on your gourd. You'll use carving, woodburning, gold leafing and painting techniques to create a eye-catching peacock feather on your prepared gourd. Please bring a gourd that has been cleaned and prepared. The irridescent effects will be most striking if you dye or ink your gourd with a dark color before class. Cannonballs and small vase shaped gourds are good choices.
One piece of glass, gold leafing and paints will be supplied. You may bring your own brushes if you wish. Bring a rotary tool and any burs you have on hand plus a good quality dust mask and a woodburner if you have one. (I have a couple available for shared use.). Matched sets of glass and other supplies will be available for purchase.
UFO Gourds (Unfinished Objects)
Saturday, October 31st 1:30 - 4:30 $20 1 space available
This is not your typical class! Instead, this is a chance to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and to finish gourd projects that you have started and just need a bit of help or inspiration to carry you through to the end. Your classmates may be working on anything from weaving, carving, mask making or inlays - you'll learn a lot just by observing the diversity of projects. I will work one on one with everyone to make sure they get just the help or ideas they need to "get over the hump" and finish those projects that have been gathering dust!
Bring whatever project you want to work on and any special tools you require. For beginners, this is a great opportunity to try out some of my saws, burners, and power tools.- I have many tools available for loan so you can see what kind you may wish to purchase as your gourding enthusiasm grows! I will provide bottled water and snacks.
"Raku" with Critters
Not currently scheduled
Here is something a bit different - and it's suitable for beginning to experienced gourders. Learn how to make a faux - raku style gourd (with or without carved accents depending on your skill and interests) and finish it off with a decorative twig and a flying critter such as a bee, butterfly or dragonfly.
Bring a small gourd - preferably no larger than 6", and bring your dremel tool and carving burs if you want to add a carved accent. I will provide faux painting supplies, twigs and critters. Wear old clothes. and bring gloves if you don't like to get paint on your hands.
3-D Feather Carving
NEW ~Tucson class - Saturday, February 20 1:30 -4:30 $40 FULL
Carving an eagle, turkey, or red tailed hawk feather is a great way to learn basic dimensional carving techniques. The concepts of visualizing high-relief dimensional carving will be discussed, and additional techniques such as undercutting, rounding and specialized carving will enable you to create a feather that is dramatic and realistic in appearance. You may use either carving burs or woodburning to add the feather barbs, and painting methods will be discussed. (Students will learn feather carving only. Other decorative applications show in the photo may be added as desired after class is over.)
Students should bring a Dremel, Foredom or other similar rotary tool and any burs you have on hand. Bring a good quality dust mask, a woodburner with a pointed or skew tip, and please bring a cleaned gourd that is suitable for carving (at least 1/4" thick is preferable).
Carving burs and dust masks will be available for purchase if desired.
"Pottery Shards" Gourd
Not Currently Offered
Inspired by Southwest Native Pottery, this class has a mix of carving and painting techniques. First, you'll carve your gourd to create the appearance of 3-D overlaid shards of pottery, and then use a variety of painting techniques to complete the illusion.
To save time in class, please bring a gourd suitable for carving that has been cut and cleaned ahead of time. Almost any gourd shape is OK, but you will get more of a dimensional effect if the gourd isn't too thin.
Bring a rotary tool (Dremel or other brand) and any carving burs you may have on hand. Bring a dust mask or purchase one at class. I will supply a few small turquoise cabochons as well as paints. I have paint brushes and painting sponges for class use, but I recommend that you bring your own good liner brush. My brushes have been used by many students and are not great for fine detail painting. Wear old clothes. and bring gloves if you don't like to get paint on your hands.
Petroglyphs and Ripples
Not currently scheduled
In this class you will learn the basics of using a power rotary tool to carve on gourds. Students will carve "sand ripples" and then learn decorative sponge painting techniques with Petroglyph designs to complete the gourd. Demonstrations of additional techniques such as heishi inlay and gold leafing will be presented.
Students should bring a dremel, Foredom or other similar rotary tool and any burs you have on hand. Bring a good quality dust mask or purchase one at class. You may also bring your own paint brushes, sponges or paints if desired.
Students will be supplied an oil candle insert, heishi and painting materials. Gold leafing will be discussed but you will be responsible for providing your own if you wish to use it on your gourd. Bring a small gourd (at least 4" tall) that sits reasonably well and will be solid enough for carving. Cannonballs, small pears or other rounded gourds with no neck are best.
Suitable carving burs and other supplies will be available for purchase.
Added Lids
Friday, October 30th 1:30 - 4:30 $35 Full
Learn to create and properly fit a lid made from a gourd scrap and wood pieces. Students will learn the lid making technique only. Other decorative applications can be added as desired after class.
Tool use will be taught, and ideas for creating decorative handles will be covered. Students should bringan cleaned, UNCUT gourd. The best gourds for this class are canteens, cannonballs, or other rounded gourds. (Gourds with necks are much more difficult to use and should be avoided.) Bring scrap cut off tops that can be used for the lid - if possible, bring a variety of sizes and shapes so you will be able to choose the best one. .Wood parts will be provided.
Bring a good quality dust mask, a dremel tool and burs, and a full sized power drill if you have one. You will also have a chance to use other full sized saws and sanders.
Suitable carving burs and other supplies will be available for purchase.
"Leather Tooled" Gourd
Tucson class - Friday, February 19th 9 - 1 $45 Full
Make a gourd with a traditional leather tooled look. You will carve and woodburn a typical leather carving design - as an option you may choose to leave the gourd natural, or you may want to darken either the gourd or the carved background. Carve a "rope" border or try some patina paints. You will receive one silver plated concho as an accent piece; you may purchase more at a minimal cost if you wish to carry the pattern around the gourd.
Bring a power rotary tool (Dremel or other brand) and any accessories you have on hand. Bring a cut open and cleaned gourd suitable for carving and your basic tool box. Bring a woodburner if you have one; I have a few for shared class use. Bring a dust mask or purchase one at class.
Bring a sack lunch or snack. I will have cold bottled water and some light snacks available if you don't want to bring a lunch. I'll also have a swamp cooler and plenty of fans to keep us cool if the day is hot. You will be under a covered area.
Suitable carving burs and other supplies will be available for purchase.
"Water & Wind":
Carving patterns inspired by Southwestern Pueblos
Tucson class - Friday, October 30 9 - 1 $45 FULL
OR Saturday, October 31 9 - 1 $45 FULL
NEW ~Tucson class - Saturday, February 20 9 - 1 $45 FULL
