How to Carve a Calabash Gourd
Gourds have been used throughout the world for thousands of years not only as food, but also as containers because their shape and skin lend themselves to this perfectly. However, gourds are rarely left plain; the ones used for decorating are also known as calabash, and they are often carved with intricate designs, whether used simply for pouring rice or for intricate medicinal rituals. The skin of the calabash gourds can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes around the world.
Things You'll Need
- Dried and hollowed calabash gourd
- Sandpaper
- Pencil
- Dremel tool
- Small saw bur
- Medium ball bur
- Sanding bur
- Acrylic paint (optional)
- Paintbrush (optional)
- Varnish (optional)
Instructions
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1
Smooth the inside of the gourd using sandpaper, removing any rough sections.
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2
Draw the image you wish to carve, either freehand or from a reference photo, on the outside of the gourd with a pencil.
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3
Fit the Dremel tool with a small saw bur. Cut along any lines you have drawn that are straight or even -- this will provide guidelines for the tool later, so it creates an even texture.
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4
Whittle away at the areas you wish to be lighter or more depressed than other areas using the Dremel tool with a ball bur fitting. Enlarge any lines with this fitting.
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5
Sand any areas you have cut, if you want them to be smooth, using the sander fitted in to the Dremel tool. Do this process carefully because if the tool sands areas that are uncarved, their tone may change.
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6
Paint or varnish the gourd as desired. Allow it to dry for one to two days before using or displaying.
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Tips & Warnings
Always choose a thick gourd, as this makes it easier for carving, is more durable, and allows mistakes to be corrected easily.
Small stones can be inlaid into the gourd using a tool to cut out a small hole the same size as the stones. Hold the stones in place with glue.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
