New Gourd Art with Ink Dyes (Design Originals)

ISBN: 1574216147

Author: Dellos, Maria

Condition: New

Turn an ordinary gourd into your next amazing craft project! One of the more "expressive" of the hard-shelled, ornamental fruits, the humble gourd is not only useful and beautiful but it also seems to beg an artist's hand to embellish and enhance it even more. Gourds have had many uses through history as tools, musical instruments, art objects, and as food. They grow in a wide array of sizes and shapes that can spark your creativity and engage your imagination. Finding your gourd "canvas" is an adventure in itself, and this book gives great advice on how to choose a great gourd and how to see the gourd's natural variations as part of the overall aesthetic. After selecting a gourd that inspires your artistic eye, you can choose from many mediums to see your vision through. Designing with ink, shape stamping, carving or sculpting, painting, dyeing, and adding decorative items, such as laces, feathers, and beads are all ways to express your individual style. Other techniques include cutting, design transfer, wood burning, sanding, staining, and adding inlays. This book takes you step by step through the process from choosing the right gourd to the final embellishments that will complete your very own unique, artistic creation. Author Maria Dellos is a designer and art instructor who discovered gourds in 2001. She noticed that the leather dye that was traditionally used for painting gourds would fade slowly over time. Later, she unearthed a premium ink dye that was both fade-resistant and archivally safe. This expanded the possibilities of gourd art for beginners and experts alike. She launched her own line of gourd dyes called GourdMaster Finishes, which she uses to design her beautiful gourds and demonstrate techniques for her students. Her book is full of creative ideas and helpful additions, such as tracing patterns and designs along with tips and tricks to inspire your imagination. Getting started is easy with the step-by-step instructions on the more technical elements, the beautiful photos, and the helpful diagrams for inspiration and advice. If you're looking for a unique, artistic adventure, then gourds might just be for you. Get your art tools ready!