Leather Dyes on Gourd can give a great depth of color but, there are issues. Here the Dos and Don’ts.
Leather dyes have been around for years. Many experienced gourd artists are familiar with them and often choose them. Especially, new gourd crafters looking for a fast color solution.
There are many brands out there. The least expensive dye on Amazon is the Angelus brand. Personally, I use the Tandy brand. Especially, since their Eco-Flo Leather Dye is water-based and cleans up with soap and water. Both are about $8. The Tandy container has one fluid oz. more.
Today, I have demonstration videos from two gourd artists using leather dye. Both give you great ideas, but also bring up some things not to do.
Emily Wallace has a great video for beginners. She shows you how she grows gourds, then demonstrates how she cuts and decorates her gourds. But along the way she also illustrates some bad practices. At this point, I want to make you aware of her errors before you watch.
Leather Dyes on Gourds Problems
First, she cleans a gourd without wearing a mask which is very dangerous, the fiber can be toxic! Then, she shows you wood burning using simple lines and geometric shapes which are very effective. But, the mask should also be used when burning.
Next she uses a Dremel to carve out spaces under the lines. This is a great, easy technique that any beginner can do. Just remember to wear protective gear. But when she uses the dye she runs into trouble.
Unfortunately, the dye goes everywhere, including all over her hands since she is not wearing gloves.
The other technique she uses that is different is the covering of the inside. I did not see her sand the interior before coating it with acrylic paint. Sanding the interior is better craftmanship.
Also, she uses decoupage glue as a final finish for the interior. I usually sand the inside, put masking tape over the top edge, and spray it with matte black spray paint. Then the top edge gets a little black paint to cover the spots over the rim. Both work.
Leather Dyes on Gourds Solutions
The other video is from our friend, Miriam Joy. She addresses the use of the dye. She recommends using cotton wipes to apply the dye over a tray. And she makes a point of keeping the lid on the dye, which saves you from a major disaster. The other tool that was used was the line scribe.
Consider trying Emily’s carving designs on a gourd. And if you do try the leather dye, then keep in mind Miriam’s tips.
Lastly, my tip relates to the color problem. They will fade after a short tim, especially if they sit in sunlight. So, I highly recommend you use a UV filter clear spray before the matte spray. Enjoy Emily’s world of gourds.
Applying Dye to a gourd isn’t hard, and Miriam Joy will show you how easy it is!
What issue have you had with leather dye and how have you solved them?
Share your thoughts here in the comment box or share them with all the gourd artists on our Facebook Group Page.
Return to the Blog page for other articles.
Pinterest users can help me spread the word about my posts and jewelry by re-pinning your favorites from my Pinterest page.
Its such as you learn my mind! You seem to grasp so much about this, such as
you wrote the e book in it or something. I believe that
you could do with a few % to force the message house a
bit, however other than that, this is wonderful blog.
A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create
your theme? Exceptional work!
Nice post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I’m impressed!
Extremely useful information specifically the ultimate part :
) I maintain such info a lot. I used to be seeking this certain info for a long time.
Thank you and good luck.
Just wanna remark on few general things, The website style is perfect, the subject
matter is really good :D.
Pretty portion of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that
I acquire actually loved account your weblog posts.
Anyway I’ll be subscribing for your feeds or even I achievement you get right of entry to consistently fast.
WordPress, Theme ocean, but mostly my design.
WordPress,Ocean theme
Hi! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so
I came to take a look. I’m definitely loving the information.
I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Wonderful blog and superb design and style.
Wow, marvelous weblog format! How long have you ever been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The full glance of your site is great, let alone the content!!
Thanks! a quick way to see a list of all the posts is by clicking on the post archive button.
Also, check out other pages for more great information.
You are so cool! I do not think I’ve read through anything like this before.
So wonderful to find somebody with a few original thoughts on this
topic. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this
up. This website is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit
of originality!