Beads Used to Decorate Gourds

Dried gourds are often part of fall decorations.

Dried gourds are often used as decoration, especially during the autumn months and around Thanksgiving. They are used for their wood-like properties and unique shape. Often other crafting materials are glued to the gourd to enhance its natural texture and aesthetic appeal. There are many different types of beads available, and they can all be used to decorate your gourd.

Glass Beads

Glass beads are just what they sound like: bits of glass rounded and formed into a bead shape. Glass is a very versatile decoration to use for gourds as it can come in virtually any color. The semi-opaque nature of glass is also unique in that it allows some of the natural color and texture of the gourd to shine through the decoration as well. Instead of covering up part of the gourd, it enhances it.

Rondelle Beads

Rondelle beads are round a flat and generally are a bit wider than regular beads. In necklaces and bracelets, these beads are often used as spacers, but on a gourd they can take the spotlight. If you turn a rondelle bead sideways and glue it to the face of the gourd you can take advantage of the flat, wide shape of the bead and provide the gourd with an interesting look and texture.

Crystal Beads

Crystal beads are a bit more expensive than other kinds of beads, but can make your gourd glitter and give it a more elegant look. There are many kinds of crystal beads, but you should always make sure that you are actually getting crystal instead of glass if you are paying for it. Swarovski crystal beads are very popular and you can only find them at Swarovski authorized dealers, so you know you are getting real crystal.

Fire-Polished Beads

Fire-polished beads come in lots of shapes and sizes but have one thing in common: all are run through a high temperature oven to give them a glossy, shiny finish. While these are popular for beads and necklaces, they really get a chance to shine when glued to a gourd. They give your gourd an interesting shiny, mirrored look.

References

• Beads Basic: Types of Beads Used in Beading
• Beautiful Creations: Different Types of Beads
• The Artful Crafter: Gourd Decorating and Finishing