In this Make a Gourd Night Light post you will learn how to drill holes and insert beads with this beginner-friendly tutorial by Graham Ottoman.
Get ready to watch Graham Ottoman share a video demonstrating the process she uses in her class to create a night light. This project is ideal for gourd artists looking to create a gourd lamp. The key skill you’ll need to master is drilling holes into the gourd. Before we dive into the video, let’s go over the tools and supplies you’ll need.
The drills needed for the gourd night light
You will need a hand drill to create holes for the beads. Be sure to purchase a drill bit that matches the size of your beads.
Additionally, you’ll need a tool to drill small holes. A micro carver or a Dremel tool will work well for this purpose.
Choose drill bits in small, medium, and one size smaller than the bit you selected for the beads. Let’s cover the sources of tools and supplies before we look at the video.
Sources for gourd light supplies
My favorite site for light supplies for gourds is Blue Whale Arts
Here, you can purchase a kit or individual parts.
How you hold the drill when creating holes is important
You will be drilling into a small gourd, so positioning your hand on the gourd is crucial. You will probably need to practice several times holding the gourd with both hands to secure it properly.
Notice the hole at the bottom. This is cut to fit the light insert. A good tip here is to buy an LED bulb.
Gourd Night Light Bead Application
You want to drill your bead holes first after you draw your design on the gourd. Use the hand drill to create your hole.
Graham uses Elmer’s glue applied to the hole with a tooth pick.
Then she places the bead in the hole with a tooth pick.
Make sure the bead is firmly in place by pressing down on the bead with your thumb.
Attaching the light base
Use a clear glue to place your base in the gourd. Look for a 4 watt LED bulb for your light.
Also remember to add two roles of hole around the rim of the gourd,.
Now you are ready to watch the video.
Night light Project Ideas
Once you learn the process, the design possibilities are endless. Consider these night lights as a sale item in your booth, where you can charge a lower price. I always have some $20 items for customers who have a twenty-dollar bill in their pocket.
Project Ideas
Once you learn the process, the design possibilities are endless. Consider these night lights as a sale item in your booth, where you can charge a lower price. I always have some $20 items for customers who have a twenty-dollar bill in their pocket.
Visit her site at www.gourdlandia.com
Now it is your turn to pull out your beads and a gourd and try creating your own gourd night light! Please share your thoughts in the comment box or share them with all the gourd artists on our Facebook Group Page.
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