In this post we explore Totes for Gourd Artists. How do you choose the right cart, bag or container when you need to go on the road with gourds and supplies? Here is what I have learn from my own experience.
Choosing the right gourd art tote and traveling cart
Gourders are social animals, we need to learn from others and share our work and what we know. All of us leave our work space and go on the road! With all the choses out there, how do you choose the right gourd art tote or cart?
Looking at my habits, I need a different gourd art tote for different occasions.For example, something to take to my gourd buddy’s studio with supplies for the day usually focusing on one gourd. Another size to go to patch meetings where I take supplies for a demo and a gourd or two for our “show and tell” sessions. I also take classes and need a tote that has enough space for me to carry an ink or paint collection or all my carving supplies.
Ocasionally I teach, so I need something to hold gourds and supplies for several people. And finally, if you are at a festival taking different classes all day you will need to essentially take your workspace all in one cart!
Here are some suggestions and ideas to think about when you are looking for a gourd art tot
Choose transparent storeage boxes
When I started gourding, the first thing I learned was to use storage containers that were clear! Additionally, they need to have lids that clamp for security. They also get labeled with the contents and my name so they are ready for travel. They come in all sizes and the ones that stack are great. I grab them on sales, at the thrift store and at garage sales!
Totes for Gourd Artists:
Small tool Bags for close Surroundings
When I am going to a place where I will work at a table with many people, I like to take a lighter bag where I can easily see my tools. The best solution for me is a tool bag. This one is a Voyager from Harbor Freight. It is 15 inches long with 24 pockets and sells for $10. When not in use they squish up and fit in a draw out of the way.
Check the craft store for this same kind of bag. This Tote Bag by Artist’s Loft™ Fundamentals™ is also a great deal at Michaels for around $6.
Walmart has this Hyper Tough 12-inch Polyester Tool Bag, with Full-Length Zipper and Double Strap Carry Handle for $5
The Harbor Freight Voyager 21-inch bag for $30 works great or check your craft suppliers for something similar.
Totes for Gourd Artists:
Consider wheels for your bigger gourd art tote
If you are taking a wood burner or micro carver and you don’t want to carry it, consider these rolling bags.
15 in. Heavy-Duty Rolling Tool Bag with Wheels from Frontier at Home Depot for $60
For years I have had this folding cart. I have used it because it is sturdy and will go upstairs. As a traveling teacher, that was a necessity! I can put my clear containers in it and when unloaded, I can fold it and store it under the table when I am teaching a gourd class. This one is 16in. H x 18in. W x 15in.D at Office Depot for$30.
Totes for Gourd Artists:
Maybe you need a bigger gourd art tote with wheels
I have seen one at Walmart with the supply insert for $50 which would also work, but has no top.
Packing your Gourd Art Tote
Begin with the class supply list. Set everything on a table and put your name on it. I use address stickers for this. Make sure your name is on your containers with paint, burrs, and woodburning tips. This will save a lot of confusion as you sit at a class table working. You should also have clean-up supplies like baby wipes, water, and alcohol in spray bottles and I also like the Mr. Clean sponges for wiping away pencil marks and water and alcohol.
Important tips:
If you are in a hot climate, do not carry your alcohol spray bottle in your tote as you travel in your car. It will expand and could crack the bottle and you won’t like how it perfumes your car! Also, remove any clean-up rags. I keep the alcohol in its bottle with a lid then transfer it to the spray bottle when I get there.
There are some general supplies you also need to consider. Go through this checklist and add any of these you will need to the tote. I have it taped to my big box.
You can download the complete list which you can find on the store page.
Gourd Art Supply List
X-Acto knife with asst. blades
Good quality dust mask
Gourd stabilizer
Small super glue
Pin vise drill or awl
Steel wool (0000)
Flexible ruler
Craft glue (small)
Sharp scissors (medium and small)
Wood putty
Various grit sandpaper
Craft tweezers
2 small clamps
Hand gourd saw
Rubber gloves for staining
Tracing stylus
Brush water container
Fine point sharpie or red ink pen, pencil, eraser,
note writing paper
Asst. size brushes (liner, ¼” & 1”)
Q-tips or throwaway tiny applicators
Tracing paper & carbon or Press N seal
Blue masking tape
Assorted small drill bits
Small chisels with various gouges
Various Acrylic Paints
25ft. extension cord
Surge protector
If you are traveling with ink dyes, then you will need a covered container with a tight lid. Blue Whale Arts has this container for $10 that I love. It sits in the lid and is small enough to sit in front of me at the table. One box has my little supply things and the second holds my dyes. Welburn also sells a white plastic dye holder, but it is too big and clumsy for me to use at a crowded table.
Keep your eye out at the dollar store and the big box stores for clear containers with attached lids. These are less expensive and come in many sizes and will work fine for paints and dyes and glues.
If you are off to a retreat or a festival then your gourd art tote needs to become a chart! Be sure you get one with wheels because it will become your studio!
Totes for Gourd Artists:
Classes At Gourd Festivals
There are three major reasons for going to a gourd festival. You go to meet other artists and see their work at the competition section or the vendor area. There is always great inspiration here and you can get a good sense of how to price your work. You also go to buy supplies. From gourds to tools to beads and paint.
Or your main reason for being there is taking classes from the gourd masters. Some classes will be inside in a classroom setting with climate control which will be wonderful. Others will be outside under tents in a large grass area or on gravel. Which presents you with issues.
The Challenge of the terrain will test your gourd art tote!
Classes are usually all day or half-day at 4 hours. They are offered for 2 to 3 days. Meaning that you might need to prepare for 6 different classes. This is common at the Arizona Gourd Festival. This is where I learned the toting routine! Weather and terrain often present tote issues for many unaware.
At most festivals, gourders spend their time moving from tent to tent carting their supplies for the day, trudging through the grass over the gravel, and trying not to tip their cart or run into someone else before they get there.
They park their gourd art tote on the perimeter of the tent and sit at tables in the middle of the space.
You must leave room for the instructor to move behind you and beside you for personal instruction. Rarely do you have the opportunity to have your tote next to you at the table!
Totes for Gourd Artists:
Favorite teacher tote!
I don’t do this often. More often I have struggled hauling things to teach a class. Everything must fit in the back of our truck, so I am always looking for foldable things.
I need something with big sturdy wheels and a handle long enough for me to pull it without it hitting my heels. Keep this requirement in mind as you look for your solution. I bought this cart at Cosco, but have seen it online. It has saved me a lot of hassle with the grass problem and it folds flat when not in use. We also love to use it for the beach and on picnics.
Totes for Gourd Artists:
Creating Your Work Space on Wheels
Now let’s talk Tool Carts
You are going to a three-day class event or a retreat or festival. What do you take and how do it carry it all? I am suggestion two carts under a $100.
Here are the elements you are looking for….
- Big sturdy wheels for roughed terrain
- Long enough handle that it won’t catch your heels.
- Liftable into a SUV or truck bed or floor
- Big area for your power tools
- Sectional drawers for small stuff
- Can see most things at a glance
Here is a box cart for gourd supplies.
This is the current Keter – 241008 Masterloader Resin Rolling Tool Box with Locking System and Removable Bins. Found on Amazon for $70
The other cart I see at festivals is this Stanley upright cart. This is the favorite of these two carts that I see often at the Wuertz festival.
Tip:
If you are working in a small space this would make a good permanent place for your supplies. You could even store it in a closet and away from your desk when you are not working!.
You can buy the 22 in. 4-in-1 Cantilever Mobile Tool Box, by Stanley(Fat Max ) at Home Depot for $90
There are several brands and drawer arrangements for you to consider, but now you have a good idea of what you need to survive a large gourd event. Both can be locked. Remember this will probably have to sit on the perimeter of the tent or classroom. Be sure to put your name on it!
Totes for Gourd Artists:
My Last Tip for Your Festival Cart
You also go to festivals for gourds. I separate my gourds by size or type and store these in this bag from Blue Whale Arts. It is 24 x 36” and holds 40 pounds. I have submerged this bag with gourds into the water when I am cleaning many small gourds at one time and it works great. Just don’t add bleach. These I hang in my storage shed beams so I can walk around them. At $1.25, you can afford a few to get your gourds from the festival to home!
By the way, if you haven’t been to our Arizona Gourd Festival which it the largest in the country, then check it out here.
What is your favorite tote?
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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