Creating decorative objects from dried gourds is a perfect craft for those wanting to make something both useful and creative. Gourds can be used indoors for jewelry boxes, bowls, lamps, and more, with your imagination as your only limitation, or outdoors as birdhouses. Because they are crafted from natural materials, they are usually accepted by birds looking to take up residence quite quickly. To get the feel of working with gourds, complete instructions for two projects follow.

Materials List for Birdhouse

• Dried gourd, from last year's garden, or purchased. Nearly any shape will work as long as the size is reasonable for birds to use.
• Drill with both an 1/8" bit and a 1" to 2" spade bit
• Sandpaper
• Long handled wooden spoon for scraping clean the inside of gourd
• Nylon rope or heavy duty fishing line for hanging finished gourd
• Decorative material, including paints, Modge Podge, dried flowers, and ferns, paint markers, etc.
• Face mask
• Krylon Make it Last Clear Coat Sealant or other outdoor safe sealant spray

Note: Be sure to wear facemask when sanding and cutting gourds to prevent breathing in dust and mold spores.

Preparation of Gourd

If the gourds you intend to use are from your own garden, you will have spent the last year drying them in a cool, ventilated area. Gourds should be rotated often to keep mold from building up. Next, wash, scrub, soak, and scrub again each gourd until completely clean. Materials needed for this step include water and tub, copper scrubber, (do not use steel wool!) loofah, towels, hard work, patience, and lots of sun. Start by soaking gourds in some warm water. Scrub off excess dirt and extra layers of skin, using the copper scrubber if needed, otherwise using a loofah. Once they are clean, dry with towels and place out in a sunny area to completely dry.

If small amounts of dry mold are present when gourds are ready, sand lightly. Discard any obviously moldy gourds. If purchasing gourds, inspect and reject any that have soft spots. If purchasing via mail order, inquire before placing order on conditions of gourds.