Once you have accomplished one or both of these gourd projects, you will find yourself looking for other items to make with gourds. Do not despair, as there are numerous project ideas waiting to be made. When choosing one, such as a lamp or jewelry box, consider the project before choosing the gourd. If an item is going to hang, as in the birdhouses, the bottom shape is not as important as when you are constructing a project that will need to sit at least relatively level. Look for gourds that are flat on one side or across the bottom. A gourd that is flat across one side could be cut in half long ways, with the side becoming the project's bottom. For a project that may have additional weight, such as a lamp, look for a gourd that has both a flat and wide base, so that it is stable when finished.
Besides the design concepts touched on here, many other forms of decoration exist. Etching on gourds is a very eye-pleasing concept, as is applying alternative materials, such as leather, and beads. Whatever project or design idea you choose, it will surely be the first of many to come.