35 Ideas for a Leaf Gourd will provide you with visual ideas to help you find a design that will help you create a gourd you will be proud to display. They also make great sellers!
Once you have learned several skills and mastered a couple of techniques or products, you might find developing design ideas can be challenging. One of the safest ideas is to create a gourd object that reflects a holiday or time of year. In this post, we are thinking about a gourd for fall or, more generally, a leaf gourd.
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35 Ideas for a Leaf Gourd
Finding the right leaf pattern and getting it on the gourd
If the pattern of a leaf is your first problem, then start a search on the Internet for leaf drawings. You can copy this image to your desktop, insert it into a Word document, change its size, and cut out the leaves you want.
Another way is to look for the Welburn site and buy their leaf stencils on stick-and-burn paper.
Or draw your leaf or trace one and print it on stick-and-burn paper.
This paper is helpful, but can be hard to get off. Try this tip:I use rubbing alcohol and fine steel wool.
35 Ideas for a Leaf Gourd
Finding a great design idea for your leaf gourd
Now that you have a theme, what will your gourd look like? I have collected leaf gourds that I think are well done and could trigger an idea you may have in mind, or you might find one that will take you in a new direction! Glance through these images, copy them to a Word document, and print them out for reference. Enjoy the creativity found in all these gourds.
Here are some ideas if you are a good wood burner and want to keep the design simple.
35 Ideas for a Leaf Gourd
Start at the rim and cut out your leaf design
Another good design idea is to cut the leaf shape into the gourd by cutting the negative space. The great ones start at the rim and then move into the middle of the gourd. How many you cut depends on your skill with your saw. But this project will help you improve this skill, which will be valuable later. I often cover the gourd’s inside with resin to strengthen the gourd.
Another great idea is to create a leaf wreath with all the leaves cut out of the gourd, then dyed or painted. This project would be an excellent way to learn how to use your microsaw!
You might want to try creating a leaf bowl! Once again I would cover the interior with resin.
What about creating a lamp!
35 Ideas for a Leaf Gourd
Carving your leaf design
Accomplished gourd artists might want to use their different carving skills to create an elaborate leaf design. You could carve the leaves into the surface or overlap them to create a three-dimensional effect. Many artists will stipple the space behind the leaf or apply filigree cutouts. This design element allows you to show off your skills!
35 Ideas for a Leaf Gourd
One of my favorite leaf shapes is the Genko leaf.
Here are some designs I think are outstanding.
35 Ideas for a Leaf Gourd
How do you add color to your leaf design?
If you go back and look closely, you will find many products used. Blending gourd dye colors is a popular choice. You can keep your designs natural or use unusual products like gold foil, metallic acrylics, or metallic dyes.
One of my favorite carver of leaf pattern gourds is Marilyn Sunderland. Please take a moment and check out my post about her. Much of her work is beyond my understanding!
I hope you are now inspired to start sketching your own design ideas! Use this project to challenge your new skills or show off your expertise. Making one leaf gourd will never be your last. They are great fun and msny buyers are eager to add one to their home decor.
Please, share your thoughts here in the comment box or share them with all the gourd artists on our Facebook Group Page.
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Thank you for including my work in your article! I’m honored.
The first gourd on the right, in the third row from the bottom, states artist as Unknown. This Gingko Leaf vase is by Susan. K. Burton. Thank you. Susan k. Burton.
Thank! Corrected it. Lovely work by the way.
I’m trying to find stick ‘n burn sheets – the “old” ones with red squares (similar to graph paper). Do you have any suggestions on where I might purchase some? (Welburn doesn’t seem to carry it anymore.)