CRAFTING ON THE RIDGE
“SHE WORKS WITH HER HANDS IN DELIGHT”
Proverbs 31:13
BOO-TIFUL GOURDS!
You purchased our White Ridge Farm Gourds, and the Holiday’s are over…… here’s a fun craft!
Two seasons ago, I found ways to dry Gourds and created these Spooky Ghost Gourds!
Gourds are such a fun and essential part of decorating for autumn! Did you know you can dry them easily so they can be enjoyed for years instead of just one season? To keep your gourds from rotting while they dry, make sure to clean and sanitize them. Simply wash your gourds with warm, soapy water, then give them a good rub with one of these sanitizing solutions:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Lysol or Clorox disinfecting wipes
- 4 teaspoons of bleach to 1 quart of water
- 1:1 ratio of white vinegar to water
To prepare your gourds, simply lay them out on newspaper or paper towels in a single layer in a dry, airy room for a week. Make sure there’s plenty of space for air to circulate around each one. Give them a little turn and switch out the paper underneath daily. If any gourds start to wrinkle, shrivel, or develop soft spots, it’s best to discard them.
Once they’ve hardened, move them to a dark, dry, and warm spot, like an attic, basement, or barn. Spread them out on some newspaper again and check every few days, turning them to avoid flat spots. Smaller gourds will dry in about a month, but larger ones, like those for birdhouses, can take longer. The gourds should become lighter in weight while staying hard. Remove any that begin to rot.
For the best results, try elevating the gourds off the ground. A cooling rack or a wood pallet works great for this, allowing air to flow underneath. If you notice surface mold as they dry, don’t worry. It’s usually harmless and can be cleaned off later.
Wondering how to tell when they’re fully dry? That’s the fun part! Give them a shake, and if they’re lightweight and you hear seeds rattling inside, they’re ready.
Once completely dry, give them a gentle wash to remove any surface mold using warm water and a soft scrubber like fine steel wool or a non-scratch sponge. After their bath, towel them off and let them dry completely. They’re now ready to use and will last a while if stored properly. However, they won’t be suitable for outdoor use, like in a wreath. For gourds that will last for years or for outdoor projects, consider applying a protective polish. A good old-fashioned paste wax works wonders to seal them against moisture and keep them looking beautiful.
Now it’s time to make your Ghosts! Grab white paint, a paint brush, black paint or a black sharpie.
Next, showcase your Boo-tiful Gourds on social media and tag us @whiteridgefarmandgoods