2011 Virginia Gourd Festival Classes
*** 3 new classes added: Lone Rider, Faux Finishing Techniques, and Basic Birdhouse

Saturday, November 5: morning classes
Tin-Punch Tealight Gourd -- Kathy Kennedy Meyer

 Learn to apply a simple yet stunning tin-punch design on a small gourd. The completed gourd covers a battery operated tealight. This hand-crafted work of art (yours!) will grace your table in time for the holidays, or you might prefer displaying it on a mantle, desktop, or other showcased spot. The tin-punch design is visible in daylight and becomes eye-catching when lit from within by the tealight. Gourd may be colored during class using leather dye.
Supplies Provided by Instructor:  All supplies. (gourd, tool to create holes which is then yours to keep, battery operated tealight, and leather dye.) A power micro-saw will be available for cutting open bottom of gourd if you would like to try this step yourself..
Supplies Provided by Student:  It is not necessary to bring any supplies for this class..
Time: Saturday 9:00 AM – 10:00AM    Level: Beginning
Fee:  $25.00   Number of Students:  Maximum 8, minimum 1


Let’s Get The Rhythm of the Shekere! -- Janice Kiehl

Learn how to make a shekere, a musical instrument which is a beaded gourd originating in Africa.
Supplies Provided by Instructor:  Gourd, beads, string, gloves, shoe polish for gourds, scissors, and crochet needles.
Supplies Provided by Student:   It is not necessary for students to bring any supplies for this class.
Time: Saturday 9:00 AM – 12Noon    Level:  All levels.
Fee:  $25.00 plus a $10.00 Supply Fee, total = $35.00. Number of Students:  Maximum 10, minimum 1


Guiro --  Mike Connolly

 A guiro is a Latin American rhythm instrument consisting of a long-necked gourd that is sounded by scraping a stick along ridges cut into its surface. Instructor will provide the long-necked gourd with the precut ridges. Student will enjoy decorating the guiro using inks and dyes. Leave class with a beautifully finished musical instrument!
Supplies Provided by Instructor:  Prepared gourd, and inks and dyes for decorating and finishing.
Supplies Provided by Student:  It is not necessary to bring any supplies for this class.
Time: Saturday 9:00 AM - NOON    Level:  All levels.
Fee:  $25.00   Number of Students:  Maximum 10, minimum 1.


Gourd Basics -- Angela Mohr

 New to gourding and just want to get the basics like cleaning, opening, gutting? Gourd Basics is the place to start. Bring your dirty, ratty gourds from home to work on and leave with craft ready gourds! Don’t have any from home, but want to learn anyway? We have member grown gourds you can use, or buy some at the festival already washed, and learn how to make it craft ready. Supplies provided by instructor, author of Gourd Basics, The complete Guide to Cleaning, Preparation, and Repair of Gourds, published by Schiffer Publishing. 
Supplies Provided by Instructor:    All supplies.
Supplies Provided by Student:  If you have dirty, ratty gourds, bring them!
Time: Saturday 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM    Level:  All levels.
Fee:  $25.00. Number of Students:  Maximum 10, minimum 1

Saturday, November 5: afternoon classes
Lone Rider --  Sherry Briscoe

 In this class, students will learn a painting technique to create a finish that mimics Native American Horsehair Pottery, seen in the Southwestern US and used by Native Americans for centuries.  The instructor will discuss the proper use/care/cleaning of brushes, and will demonstrate how to transfer a printed pattern to gourds.  Students should have ample time to complete their gourd during the allotted class time period.  While beginners should be able to handle this project with no difficulties, it will appeal to all levels of gourders.
Instructor will provide: A cleaned/cut/sanded gourd and all other supplies.
Supplies Provided by Student:  An apron or smock to protect clothing  While water-based acrylic is used, once dried it is difficult if not impossible to remove from clothing.
Time: Saturday 1:00PM - 4:00PM    Level:  All levels.
Fee:  $25.00 plus a $10.00 Supply Fee, total = $35.00    Number of Students:  Maximum 12, minimum 1


Growing Gourds…..From The Ground Up -- Kathy Kennedy Meyer

Join Pennsylvania Master Gardener Kathy Kennedy Meyer for a talk that will cover information about planting, growing and harvesting gourds: seed starting, plant anatomy, plant growth, common pests, and when and how to harvest the crop you have been nurturing all season. Learn how to make the most of your gourd gardening season with Kathy.
Time: Saturday 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM    Level:  All levels.
Fee:  Free public lecture.


Zentangle® Gourd -- Alice Moore

Doodling as an art form? Oh yes it is! It is known as Zentangle®. Zentangle® was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. You may Zentangle® on a natural gourd or one that has been painted white. Your gourd may be cut and cleaned or left whole. Come doodle away in this class and create a beautiful Zentangle® Gourd. 
Instructor will provide: Instructions
Supplies Provided by Student:  A gourd that is at least 5 – 6 inches wide and 5 inches tall. The gourd may be left whole or precut and cleaned. The gourd may be natural or painted white. #1 micro mark pen
Time: Saturday 1:00PM - 4:00PM    Level:  All levels.
Fee:  $25.00   Number of Students:  Maximum 7, minimum 1


Let’s Get The Rhythm of the Shekere! --  Jancie Kiehl and Mike Connolly

Learn how to make a shekere, a musical instrument which is a beaded gourd originating in Africa
Supplies Provided by Instructor:   Beads, string, gloves, shoe polish for gourds, scissors, and crochet needles.
Supplies Provided by Student:  It is not necessary to bring any supplies for this class.
Time: Saturday 1:00PM - 4:00PM    Level:  All levels.
Fee:  $25.00 plus a $10.00 Supply Fee, total = $35.00 .    Number of Students:  Maximum 10, minimum 1


Guiro -- Mike Connolly
A guiro is a Latin American rhythm instrument consisting of a long-necked gourd that is sounded by scraping a stick along ridges cut into its surface. Instructor will provide the long-necked gourd with the precut ridges. Student will enjoy decorating the guiro using inks and dyes. Leave class with a beautifully finished musical instrument!

This afternoon class has been cancelled but will be taught Saturday morning.


String Art Gourd -- Kathy Gordon

Use colorful thread to make a layered design on a gourd. Fun for all skill levels! The pine needle rim will not be done in this class, but will be discussed. Any questions e-mail: ksgordon70@hotmail.com
Supplies Provided by Instructor:  A wide selection of colored thread and beads so you can match your gourd.
Supplies Provided by Student: Small scissors. A gourd with a 4-5 inch round hole cut out of one side, and with small holes drilled 1/4 inch from edge of gourd, approximately 5/16th inch apart. Color or design the gourd as you please.
Time: Saturday 1:00PM - 4:00PM    Level:  All levels.
Fee:  $25.00   Number of Students:  Maximum 10, minimum 1

Sunday, November 6: morning classes
Tin-Punch Tealight Gourd -- Kathy Kennedy Meyer

 Learn to apply a simple yet stunning tin-punch design on a small gourd. The completed gourd covers a battery operated tealight. This hand-crafted work of art (yours!) will grace your table in time for the holidays, or you might prefer displaying it on a mantle, desktop, or other showcased spot. The tin-punch design is visible in daylight and becomes eye-catching when lit from within by the tealight. Gourd may be colored during class using leather dye.
Supplies Provided by Instructor:  All supplies. (gourd, tool to create holes which is then yours to keep, battery operated tealight, and leather dye.) A power micro-saw will be available for cutting open bottom of gourd if you would like to try this step yourself..
Supplies Provided by Student:  It is not necessary to bring any supplies for this class..
Time: Sunday 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM    Level: Beginning
Fee:  $25.00   Number of Students:  Maximum 8, minimum 1


A Basketry Rim -- Byron Williams

Students will select a predrilled gourd. After a demonstration by the instructor, students will attach weft and weave a light and airy rim as a delightful finish for the gourd.
Supplies Provided by Instructor:  Predrilled gourd, dyed basket reed, instructions
Supplies Provided by Student:  A willing attitude! It is not necessary to bring any supplies for this class.
Time: Sunday 10:00AM - 12:00 noon    Level:  All levels.
Fee:  $25.00 plus a $10.00 Supply Fee, total = $35.00    Number of Students:  Maximum 10, minimum 3


Cloth Lined Gourd Bowl -- Angela Mohr

Students will learn how to open and rough-gut a gourd, then line it with a piece of cotton cloth using a double-sided running stitch.  The gourd will be painted beforehand, and students choose cloth to match for personal preference This is an especially nice way to present bread or small gifts in a gourd container without dealing with gourd dust!  Painted gourd and cloth will be supplied. Students may bring their own cloth if desired but it should be at least 18" square.
Supplies Provided by Instructor:    All Supplies.
Supplies Provided by Student:  It is not necessary to bring any supplies for this class.
Time: Sunday 10:00AM - 12:00 noon    Level:  All levels.
Fee:  $25.00 Number of Students:  Maximum 10, minimum 1


Pine Needle Rim --  Tina Skinner

Learn techniques for applying pine needle finishes on your gourd rims. In addition to a finish like that shown, students will discuss a variety of applications that can be used when working with pine needles. With a little practice, you can master one of the most popular rim finishes for your gourd projects. Holes will be drilled in class.
Supplies Provided by Instructor:    All Supplies.
Supplies Provided by Student:  It is not necessary to bring any supplies for this class.
Time: Sunday 10:00AM - 12:00 noon    Level:  All levels.
Fee:  $25.00 Number of Students:  Maximum 10, minimum 3

Sunday, November 6: afternoon classes
Faux Finishing Techniques --  Sherry Briscoe

 In this class, students will learn techniques to create four faux finishes: Turquoise, Granite, Leather and Wood Grain using paints, brushes, sponges and mediums.  There will be a discussion on the proper use/care/cleaning of brushes, other applications for these techniques, and how to research and create other types of faux finishes.
Supplies Provided by Instructor:   A cleaned/sanded/base-coated 9-11” martin house gourd and all other supplies.
Supplies Provided by Student:   An apron or smock to protect clothing.  While water-based acrylic is used, once dried it is difficult if not impossible to remove from clothing.
Time: Sunday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM   Level:  All levels.
Fee:  $25.00 plus a $10.00 Supply Fee, total = $35.00. Number of Students:  Maximum 12, minimum 1


Growing Gourds…..From The Ground Up -- Kathy Kennedy Meyer

Join Pennsylvania Master Gardener Kathy Kennedy Meyer for a talk that will cover information about planting, growing and harvesting gourds: seed starting, plant anatomy, plant growth, common pests, and when and how to harvest the crop you have been nurturing all season. Learn how to make the most of your gourd gardening season with Kathy.
Time: Sunday 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM    Level:  All levels.
Fee:  Free public lecture.


Random Tenerife Gourd --  Kathy Gordon

Use various threads and fibers to weave a colorful, textured design on a gourd. Any questions e-mail ksgordon70@hotmail.com
Supplies Provided by Instructor:   A wide selection of threads, yarns, fibers, beads and center stones.
Supplies Provided by Student:   Small scissors. A gourd with a 4-5 inch round hole cut out of one side, and with small holes drilled 1/4 inch from edge of gourd and approximately 3/8th inch apart. Color or design the gourd as you please.
Time: Sunday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM   Level:  All levels.
Fee:  $25.00. Number of Students:  Maximum 10, minimum 1


Basic Birdhouse --  Janice Kiehl

Gourds make excellent birdhouses.  The birds love them as well as your bird loving friends and family members when you present them as gifts. Learn how to drill holes, gut a gourd and hang the birdhouse. Exterior coloring or painting and waterproofing will be discussed and demonstrated in this class.   Birdhouse will be suitable for wrens, chickadees, titmice and bluebirds.  Are you wary of using power tools?  Don’t shy away, help is available in this class. 
Supplies Provided by Instructor:   Power tools, drill bits, hanging cord, and gutting equipment
Supplies Provided by Student:   One  5 – 7” martin house or kettle gourd, cleaned on the outside.  An apple gourd may be used also.  Cleaned gourds will be available for purchase at the festival.
Time: Sunday 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM   Level:  All levels.
Fee:  $25.00. Number of Students:  Maximum 8, minimum 1



There will be a $3.50 processing fee added to the total when using a charge card. When charging fees, call Richards Fruit Market at (540) 869-6340, and request to speak with Eddie Richard.
registration form
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