How to Make a Decorative Dipper Gourd

Ginger Summit of Los Altos, Calif., has authored several popular books on gourd crafts, including “The Complete Book of Gourd Craft” (Lark Books, $18.95), now in its 10th printing, and “Gourd Crafts: 20 Great Projects to Dye, Paint, Carve, Bead, and Woodburn in a Weekend”, which will be released this winter by Lark Books.

According to Summit, dipper gourds have been used for thousands of years as cups, spoons, and ladles. Below are her step-by-step instructions for creating a festive decorative dipper gourd:

🎨 DIY Instructions for a Decorative Dipper Gourd

  1. Clean the gourd: Wash the outside thoroughly. Cut it in half lengthwise and clean out the interior. File and sand the cut edge smooth.
  2. Condition the interior: Brush a light coat of salad oil onto the inside of the gourd.
  3. Sketch your design: Use a pencil to draw festive decorations like autumn leaves or holly sprigs. Extend the artwork onto the handle.
  4. Paint the design: Fill in the sketch using acrylic paints.
  5. Add detail: Outline the painted design with a black pen or permanent marker. Let it dry completely.
  6. Enhance with texture: Apply dimensional paints for a raised, textured effect. Allow to dry.
  7. Seal the gourd: Finish with a clear coat of polyurethane. Before applying, test the sealant on a scrap piece of gourd to ensure it won’t smear the design.