Also available in Florida, Wednesday, September 17th, just prior to the Florida Gourd Retreat.
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.
Bring a sack lunch!
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
None currently scheduled
9 AM - 1 PM $45
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. Send me an email to sign up for classes: bonniegibson@qwest.net
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.)
A special two day workshop taught by Bonnie Gibson and Phyllis Sickles
Not Currently Scheduled $150
10am - 4pm both days
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, deep 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.
Sea Otters by Phyllis Sickles
Lone Wolf by Bonnie Gibson
Fused Glass
None Currently Scheduled
9 am - 1 pm $45
(Small additional fee charged if your completed glass is to be mailed to you.)
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 waiting list.
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
None Currently Scheduled
9 am - 4 pm$70
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
None 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.
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.
