2009  FESTIVAL CLASSES

This is where you will find the list of classes for 2009. Keep checking back for new additions. Register early by calling or emailing.  $5 deposit required to reserve your place. Call 601-737-5333 or email gourdgracious@comcast.net or use snail mail address: 11132 Byrd Doerner Rd., Collinsville, MS. 39325.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON CLASSES - 1 PM TO 4 PM

1. HALLOWEEN CAT IN PUMPKIN - Instructor: Elizabeth Scesniak of Little Rock, Ark. - Cost $25 - All supplies furnished. Join us for a fun filled class and learn to use air dry clay.  Because of drying time, the cat ears will already be appled to your gourd but you will try out and experiment with the clay.  Next you will paint the cat and pumpkin.  To finish off the cute cat you will be given a ribbon for his neck.  Brushes for class use may be purchased at the end of class is desired.  Suitable for all levels of experience. This class will also be taught again on Saturday afternoon.

SATURDAY MORNING - 9 PM TO NOON

1. DECORATIVE GOURD BOWL - Instructor: Elizabeth Scesniak of Little Rock Ark.- Cost $30.  All supplies furnished. Create a beautiful gourd bowl using a variety of painting techniques.  Start with a faux background.  Then add lovely metallic leaves of gold, copper and bronze.  For the finishing touches, weave pine needles around the top rim.  Brushes used in class may be purchased at the end of the class if desired.  Suitable for all levels of experience.

1. HALLOWEEN CAT IN PUMPKIN - Instructor: Elizabeth Scesniak of Little Rock, AR- Cost $25 - All supplies furnished. Join us for a fun filled class and learn to use air dry clay.  Because of drying time, the cat ears will already be appled to your gourd but you will try out and experiment with the clay.  Next you will paint the cat and pumpkin.  To finish off the cute cat you will be given a ribbon for his neck.  Brushes for class use may be purchased at the end of class is desired.  Suitable for all levels of experience.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON - 1 PM TO 4 PM

2. SO YOU CAN PAINT! Instructor: Billie Jo Phillips of Cordova, Al.- Cost $35.  All supplies furnished.  This class is for all levels.  You will learn how to divide a gourd, drill holes around the rim, the simple way to do a dimensional background, shading and adding embellishments to the rim. If you don't how to cut and clean a gourd, this will be shown also.You will take home a beautiful gourd.  If we run out of time, I will stay and help you finish your gourd. Just bring a "happy face" and be ready for fun.

2. FILIGREE CARVING - Instructor: Janie Calamia of Owensboro, Ky. Cost: $30.  CANCELLED!

2. GOURD BOWL WITH LEATHER LACED RIM - Instructor: Mike and Michele Thompson of Raleigh, MS.  Cost: $30. All supplies furnished. Learn many tips and techniques for working with gourds and tools.  Cut a gourd bowl with a mini jig saw, mark and drill holes apply leather dye and sealer .  Lace the rim with leather and embellish with beads. Take home a beautiful completed project. along with an instructional handout. Bring apron, glasses and dust mask, if you wish.  Some saws and drills will be available to share.  Bring your own if you have them.

3. PEYOTE BEADING - Instructor: Evelyn Donald from Pearl, Ms.  Cost: $30.  Create a lovely beaded border around the rim of a gourd. All supplies furnished including a tutorial.  This is a lot of fun and you can make beautiful variations once you learn the basics.

3. EMBOSSING AND WOODBURNING ON A GOURD - Instructor: Evelyn Donald from Pearl, MS. Cost: $30.  Students will need to bring an adjustable wood burner with them if possible.  Otherwise we will have a few that you will have to share with others.  Also bring a ball tip pen with your burner and a hair dryer.  All other supplies will be furnished.

4. GOURDS 101 - Instructor: Kate Bangle, Mermentau, LA.  Cost: $25.  New or old to gourds you will love this class.  It covers an overall view how gourds are planted, raised, harvested, cleaned and prepared to craft.  A slide show will be presented to explain the cultivating of gourds.  You will be shown how a pattern is place on a gourd with press-n-seal and wood burned.  Next you will copy and wood burn your selected pattern on a gourd then paint with acrylics, seal and varnish.  You will learn a lot from this class and have a great time!  If you have a wood burner bring it with you.  If not some will be provided to share.  Maximum: 20 students.

5. BASICS OF EPOXY INLAY - Instructor: Debbie Byess of Bessemer, Al. Cost: $25.  Participants will learn the basics of using epoxy inlay by creating a small flower pendant using a gourd shard.  All supplies, including patterns, will be provided.  Limit of 10 students. This class will also be taught Sat. afternoon from 1 to 4 if enough are interested.

4. GOURD GIRLIES!! Instructor: Sonya Main of Pontotoc, MS.  Cost: $20 per adult, $10 for a child if wth a paying adult..Beginners gourd class.  Easy enough for a child to do.  You will get to make 2 girlies.  All supplies furnished.  Maximum of 20 students.

6. EGG GOURD ORNAMENTS - Instructor: Elaine Richardson of Collinsville, MS.  Cost: $25. You will learn how to make beautiful designs for Christmas or Easter ornaments on egg gourds.  Each participant will be given three washed gourds ready for painting and will learn how to atach hooks for hanging.  You will be provided with the necessary paint, brushes, stylus and hooks with which to work, as well as glitter and glue for embellishments.  Everyone should totally complete at least one of the ornaments, while others will complete two or all three, depending upon the speed at which each person works.

5. SO YOU CAN PAINT! Instructor: Billie Phillips of Cordova, Al.  Cost: $35 This class is for all levels.  You will learn to divide a gourd, how to drill holes around the rim, the simple way to do a dimensional background, shading and embellishment to rim.  If you do now know how to cut and clean your gourd this will be shown also.  We will finish this gourd in class.  IF time does not allow this, I will stay with you after class until you finish.  All supplies are furnished.  This includes your gourd, paint, brushes and embelllishments for rim.  All you need to bring is a smiling face.

6. CHIP CARVING CLASS - Instructor:  Bill Donald from Pearl MS.  Cost: $30 Students will need to bring an apron to protect clothing, a variety of gourges (sizes 1/16, 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 preferred) if you have them, a pair of gardening gloves (rubber palm is best)., and if you have them a compass and a flexible tape measure.  We will have a few to share but it is better if you have your own.  Other supplies will be furnished.

3. GOURD BOWL WITH LEATHER LACED RIM - Instructor: Mike Thompson from Raleigh, MS.  Cost: $30. All supplies furnished. Learn many tips and techniques for working with gourds and tools.  Cut a gourd bowl with a mini jig saw, mark and drill holes  and apply leather dye and sealer. Lace the rim with leather and embellish with beads.  Take home a beautiful completed gourd bowl along with an instructional handout. Bring apron, safety glasses, and dust mask, if you wish.  Saws and drills will be available to share but you may bring your own.

4. GEMSTONE CHIPS ON GOURD RIMS - Instructor: Michelle Thompson of Raleigh, MS. Cost $30.  All supplies furnished. Learn to add beautiful gemstone chips to the rim of a gourd bowl.  Choose from a variety of chips.  We'll be using leather dyes, so you might want to bring an apron.  Some task lighting will be provided.  Limit of 10 students.