How to Make Gourd Jewelry
Gourds are in the pumpkin family and have many uses all around the world, including musical instruments, pipes, masks, birdhouses and water jugs, according to the Wayne's Word website devoted to gourd information. Gourds are also popular items for different craft projects. The multiple sizes, shapes and textures of gourds make them great objects for jewelry making. Creating one-of-a-kind handmade gourd jewelry pieces are fun DIY projects that can be handed out as cool customized gifts. With slight alterations and additions, including decorative and colorful embellishments, gourds can creatively be transformed from ordinary objects into exclusive handmade jewelry.
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Things You'll Need
- Dried gourds of different sizes
- Drill and drill bits
- Colored acrylic paints
- Decorative embellishments
- Hot glue
- Protective gloss paint finish
- Sturdy craft knife
- Sand paper
Instructions
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DIY Gourd Necklace
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1
Cut through the neck of a Tennessee jewelry gourd. To make a hole, use a band saw or similar sharp, small-toothed saw. Your cord should be able to easily fit through the hole.
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2
Begin to decorate your gourds. Paint and color in any designs or patterns with acrylic paints and/or markers. When finished painting, leave gourds to dry for 30 minutes.
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3
Apply one coat of protective clear gloss paint and let dry completely.
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4
Glue on decorative embellishments with hot glue. Let glue dry completely before proceeding.
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5
Begin to bead your gourds onto the cord in the design that you wish. You can use just one gourd as a pendant, surrounded by beads for a simple but cute creation, or multiple gourds can be used on one necklace for a stylish and bold pattern.
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6
Tie the two ends of the cord together to form a secure square knot, once you come up with a gourd and bead arrangement that you are satisfied with.
DIY Gourd Bracelet
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7
Slice a neat circular section into a thin-shaped snake gourd to create the bracelet. Do this carefully with a sturdy craft knife. Make sure the bracelet can fit over your hand and onto your wrist.
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8
Sand the sides down, once you are positive that the bracelet fits. This will remove sharp edges and smooth uneven edges out.
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9
Paint designs or patterns onto your bracelet, allow paint to dry and finish off with a clear protective gloss paint finish. Also allow the protective paint to dry before proceeding.
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10
Glue on decorative embellishments and allow glue to dry completely before wearing.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Assortments of dried gourds can be found in craft stores.
Use drill carefully during step one when making gourd necklaces and use craft knife carefully when removing the center of the gourd to create bracelets.
Decorative embellishments can include rhinestones, beads and feathers.
