I am PASSIONATE about gourds. I started by playing around with a few seeds and growing my own and drying them. Then I started visiting websites and buying books on commonly-used techniques. I started trying out some of the techniques, and the fascination began. Last year, I think I harvested more than 100 gourds. This year, I am well on my way to several hundred!

Last Christmas, my dear husband presented me with a box full of giant gourds from California, all cleaned and ready for ART. The family did not share in my glee and excitement, but instead looked at me in bewilderment — generally the same way they look at me when I ramble on about my llamas. Ah well. I suppose it could be much worse.

What I enjoy about the gourds is the process — start to finish, seed to art. I enjoy every step along the way, even the learning – and yes, even the “mistakes.” Someone always seems to like my “mistakes.” That’s the thing about art — and most things in life. There is enough diversity in people that our different tastes and personalities allow each of us to find value in different things — a wonderful gift we’ve been given.

Email: lavenderllamas@msn.com

On the Vine