Check out Gourdlandia's YouTube channel for gourd growing and crafting how-to's!
Come Make Something Beautiful!
Choose a project from this list, then send a note with the form below. We'll set it up!
Gourd Globe Light
Transform an ordinary cannonball gourd into a sweet glowing light! You can make any design you choose, or copy one of mine. With the LED bulb (provided), your design will shine beautifully on nearby surfaces. Glass beads can be inserted into some of the holes for a little accent color. The finished light is about 4-6″ across. This class involves drilling lots and lots of little holes! It's a noisy, dusty, fun project, not suitable for people under age 14, or those who would have difficulty with repetitive motion. The project takes 3-4 hours. $70, includes all materials and hardware.
This class happens most weekends. Want to join? Just fill out the form below.
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Night Light
Quick and easy and fun! You start with a gourd already cleaned and attached to a night light switch... all that's missing is the holes. That's where you come in. The tricky part is coming up with a design... but you can do it! This project takes 1-2 hours, and is available whenever Gourdlandia is open; no need to register (this class only). $40
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Pierced Pendants
Make a hanging pendant lamp for your home! Starting with a 5-6 inch round gourd, you'll lay out your simple design, get a lesson on the tools, and then start drilling. This workshop is similar to the ever-popular "globe light" project. Noisy, dusty, and very fun! Not suitable for young people or those who would have difficulty with repetitive motion. The project takes about 5 hours. $80, includes hardware, LED bulb, and everything else!
This class happens often, and you're welcome to join. Just fill out the form below.
Box or Basket or Bowl
This is a good class for those who want a gourd-crafting primer. We'll start with a sturdy Martin House (pear-shaped) gourd, dried and cleaned already. We'll stain and wax, and open it up. Cutting is the tricky part... I'll show several ways that you can try, or I'll be happy to do that part for you. We'll clean the inside of the gourd; that can take some time and muscle! You can carve designs on your bowl or basket or box. There will not be time to sew a rim (like the pine needles pictured), but you can drill holes and sew a rim on later. It's an intense class, for those who want the whole gourding experience!
$80, includes all materials.
This class happens every few months. Next one: Saturday 4/19/25, 10am-2pm. Interested in joining? Send me a note using the form below.
Two Special Classes on Father's Day!
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Gourd Ornaments with Ana Poma
​I'm very pleased to be hosting Ana Poma, from Louisiana, for these special classes. Ana comes from a family of Peruvian gourd crafters who have been making art in their traditional style for generations. Register using the form below; space is limited.
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Torchwork Ornaments
Sunday 6/15, 9-12:30
Create a beautiful ornament and learn torchwork and burning techniques from Ana. Tuition: $50, + $15 materials fee. (There may be time to make more than one ornament).
Dyed and Carved Ornaments
Sunday 6/15, 1:30-5
Create colorful ornaments using aniline dyes. Ana will show us how to boil the gourds to dye them, before carving designs.
Tuition: $50, + $15 materials fee. (There may be time to make more than one ornament).
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SCHEDULE A CLASS
Use this form to contact me;
suggest a project and a date.
We'll make it happen!
What You Need to Know
I teach classes because I enjoy working with gourds so much! I hope you will too. Unless otherwise specified, classes take place at Gourdlandia, 77 Rachel Carson Way in Ithaca.
Materials are included in the fee. Please bring an apron or clothes that you don’t mind getting stained. I have extra dust masks, and eye protection, but please bring your own if you have them.
Most classes involve power tools and hot or sharp equipment, and are geared towards adults. Please contact me before registering a young person.
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Currently, all classes are by appointment... contact me to set up yours! If you're coming by yourself, or with just a few people, we can make it happen during Gourdlandia's open hours. For private classes, groups of 6 or more, contact me and we'll find a good date. Either way, send me a note, we'll set it up!
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Bring your buddies & some snacks. It's a party!