Summer is a great time to start harvesting and preparing gourds for pyrography. Pyrography is the ancient practice of writing or drawing with fire, and gourds make the perfect canvas for this fascinating art form. Decorated gourds can be used as birdhouses, holiday accent pieces, containers, toad houses and more.
Gourds are easy enough to grow or they can be purchased at the local grocery store or farmers market. Look for gourds that don't have any soft spots or evidence of mold. When selecting a gourd for pyrography try to choose one that has a smooth surface. Avoid gourds with numerous bumps and nodules unless it will fit with a specific project.
Preparing and Drying Gourds
Gourds can take months to dry completely, although there are numerous techniques available that promise to help speed up drying times. The biggest threat during any gourd drying project is mold growth. Mold can be dangerous and should be taken very seriously. To help prevent this, prep the gourds with a 10% bleach solution. It may be necessary to wipe down the gourds several times with this solution during the drying process.
Dry the gourds by tying a string around the stem or top of the gourd and hang it someplace where there will be adequate air flow, or alternatively place gourds on a wire rack to help facilitate proper airflow while drying. It's preferable to dry gourds away from the house and not inside or in the garage due to mold danger. Always wear a mask and gloves when working with gourds.
Drying time varies with gourds, but once the gourd has dried completely it will be safe to work with. It may be advisable to rest them on a cup or modified vice stand while working on them. Make sure the gourd is snug and secure, but don't apply to much pressure.
Transferring Woodburning Patterns Onto Gourds
With a pencil trace the desired design lightly onto the gourd or alternatively tape paper with the image already traced onto the gourd. The pyrography pen will burn through the paper easily enough to create a design on the gourd. If it is a design that is intended for multiple applications, simply make copies beforehand.
Because the surface to be burned is not flat, use a quick and light touch with the pyrography pen. Remember that quick strokes make lighter markings while slow strokes create darker lines. Adjust the position of the gourd in increments as each section is completed. Once the basic pattern has been transferred, then go over it again more slowly to create a darker line.
When finished woodburning the gourd, apply a waterproof sealant to the inside and outside of the gourd to protect it from further moisture and then allow it to dry completely. Then proudly display the new work of art in the home or garden for everyone to enjoy and start on the next project.
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