You are currently viewing Two Ways to Create a Gourd Lid

Two Ways to Create a Gourd Lid

Creating a gourd lid for a gourd begins with the cut and having the right tools to make it easily happen. In this post, we will learn two ways to create a lid. I will share tips from Welburn and a tutorial from master gourd artist, Bonnie Gibbson.

gourd lid too thin

How to Cut a “Hidden Lid” into the Gourd

The first important step for both methods is to find a gourd that is not too thin! The gourd in the photo is too thin and too fragile to work with safely.

 

 

gourd lid with special cut

 Besides, the cut pattern does not have to be a circle. Whatever the cut shape, it is a good idea to have a unique cut to help you find the correct placement.

thin blade jigsaw

The best tool for this job is a jigsaw that has a thin blade,
You want a clean, smooth line.

gourd lid in middle of gourd

It is also better to cut farther down from the top to give the lid more surface to sit on.

Also, aim your blade in a downward slant.

Hidden Gourd Lids with Placement Keys

Thinking about this tip before you cut will add interest to the gourd and make it easier to use. 

keyed lid
Robin Erickson
lid keyed
Garry Carr
unusual gourd lid cut
Debra Flagle

Challenge yourself to go beyond the circle cut!

You might also consider a lid that represents a shape to add interest to your gourd

turtle gourd lid
lid fits around circle
Coleen Plan

You can also change the knob on your lid

Bill Coligen

Use botanicals to enhance the design. 

gourd as lid knob

Notice the small gourd and the different cut .

small gourd as knob
Geri Gittings

Here the small gourd’s neck is used as stopper.

What about a piece of cactus on a Southwest gourd?

Bill Coligen

Attach an antler bone!

Or just create something unusual!

The following Welburn video also suggests that you paint the interior of the gourd with black paint and the outside edge under the cut rim, with black dye. In the video, you will learn why it isn’t the other way around and how it can help the beginner cutter.,

paint inside black

Making Bonnies’ Lid Stopper

Instead of cutting the lid from the gourd itself, you can make a decorative added lid with a stopper using gourd scraps and scrap pieces of wood. This technique can be used on any gourd shape, but it works especially well with canteen and kettle gourds.

Read her article for directions

Consider her tutorial, Added Lids which has 7 pages (1 color page) $7.
This type of lid will always fit, because it is like a bottle stopper, fitting into a round hole. No more worrying about your lid dropping into the gourd or not lining up to fit properly. Also included are information and patterns for creating decorative handles from a variety of materials.

I hope these idea will encourage you to try one of these techniques. A lid always makes a gourd special!

Please, 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.

By the way, Pinterest users can help me spread the word about my posts and jewelry by re-pinning your favorites from my Pinterest page.

Bettie Lake

I am a former art educator and gourd art master helping new artists understand how to succeed with gourd art. I use my blog posts and our Facebook Group Page to communicate with my followers. Hopefully you learn some new things from this post and will return to read others.

Leave a Reply