In June I bought two large gourds at a 'junque' shop on the way home from blueberry picking. No one had any idea how old they are, the seeds rattle very well and they have been cleaned. I want to cut the tops off to make decorative bowls from them but am wondering if there is something I can do to them to prevent shattering when I cut. The birdhouse gourds we drilled a few years ago were only a year or two old and a couple of them split in the process so I can only imagine how fragile these old ones might be.
Thanks Bethie, I figured if anyone could give me an answer it would be you since you and your hubby have done so many beautiful gourds. I have several Xacto's inherited from my Dad and Randy, now I need to get a sawblade or two or three :-D
cutting gourds Hi Toni, The trick with cutting gourds is using the right tool for the thickness of the gourd. Most gourds that gardeners grow are pretty thin shelled and can be cut with an exacto blade. However, if you get the commercially grown ones from Arizona, California or Mississipi, they can be up to an inch thick. We cut a small hole with an exacto and then use a craft saw with small blade to cut off the top. Do wear a mask because the gourds often have a mold inside. That's what makes such interesting patterns on the surface, but they are not nice in your lungs. I have made myself quite sick breathing in one of these molds. Catherine
