Gourds: Southwest Gourd Techniques & Projects from Simple to Sophisticated

by Bonnie Gibson

Book Overview

Gourds make the perfect three-dimensional canvas. With their varied sizes and shapes, they're nature's gift to the crafter, who can use a multitude of techniques to transform them into breathtaking pieces. Cut them, carve them, paint them, inlay them with stone, or embellish them with leather, fur, feathers, and botanicals: the magnificent possibilities are all featured in this splendid guide, which covers all the gourd crafting basics. Find out how...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1402725221
• ISBN13: 9781402725227
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Sterling
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 9.0" x 10.2"

Customer Reviews

Well worth the wait

I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Bonnie Gibson's book for several months and I have found that it is more than worth the wait. It has exceeded my expectations! The technique instructions are clear and concise, the photography and the projects are stunning and will take your breath away and she gives you complete lists of the tools and supplies she used to accomplish the projects in her book. Bonnie is one of the gourd world's greatest artists and she is willing to share every scrap of her knowledge with you. Not a person who is into whimsy or cutesy myself, I am very pleased to see none of that here and instead I find this book to contain artwork that inspires me. Instead of overlooking many of the projects like I have with other books, I find myself wanting to try each and every one of the projects in this book. You will find southwest designs as well as wildlife and natural subjects such as the gourd and botanical wreath, butterflies, birds, dragonflies, Asian teapot, drums, masks, potpourri/candleholders, bowls, lidded vessels, inlaid jewels, faux basketry... among others. There is plenty to keep you busy here. If you only buy one book on gourd art and techniques, this should be it. You will not be disappointed and I can not recommend this book enough.

This is THE gourd book to have!

Bonnie Gibson's is my new favorite book on gourd art. The projects and techniques are perfect for a very wide range of skills. I am particularly impressed with the photography in this book. The carving section is very detailed on how to use power carvers. There are paint finishes that are rich-looking and a section that will help you join pieces of gourds together. I don't think I have seen anything like this in that there is so much inspiration to be had by looking through this book. You could easily translate her techniques into other projects or even mediums for that matter. The techniques are laid out in a very do-able presentation so that you don't become overwhelmed. Some of the techniques that you will learn in this book are woodburning, joining gourd pieces, power carving, painting, using air dry clay and metal leaf, using antlers, patterned basketry coiling, and creating wonderful lids with finials. All this as well as the basics! If you only buy one book on gourd art, buy this one!

A very good book

Obe of the two best books I have read on gourds. It tells one not only what to do but also why. The pictures are excellent and instructions for projects are clear. Wanda

If you only buy one gourd book

I have purchased several books on gourd art, many of them with repeated information. This book is excellent. Bonnie's explaination on tools, materials and techniques is precise and complete. This book is purely Southwest... you won't find any snowmen or Santa Clauses! I have only been a gourd artist for a short time and I find myself picking this book up time and again for inspiration. I rarely write reviews but I want to thank Bonnie Gibson for writing this book... it's great.

Wonderful New Gourd Book

Whether you work with gourds or any other any other art you will definitely enjoy this book. Written by one of the best gourd artists in the country, you will find many wonderful techniques that willl get your creative juices flowing. Bonnie gives great detail for all the projects in the book as well as a great review of tools and techniques and how to use the tools. Many Gourd artists have been anxiously awaiting this book.I have a lot of gourd books,but none of them have the detailed information your book has. GREAT BOOK Even if you don't know what a gourd is or have never worked with gourds, it would be a beautiful coffee table book.Nice job Bonnie. Thanks for all the hard work that went in to getting it published.