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Selecting Gourds
The process of selecting the right gourd for your project may seem daunting given the fact there are so many
different varieties, shapes and sizes to choose from. First, think about your intended use of the gourd. If you
have a specific project in mind, size and shape may be your first criteria. If the object needs to sit upright,
whenever possible, select a gourd with a flat bottom. If your gourd is to hang select a variety that has a neck
that will allow you to easily insert your hanger. If you plan to carve or woodburn the gourd, try to find one with a
smooth, unblemished surface. Whatever your intended purpose for the gourd there are certain things that
you should be aware of when making your selection.

Most naturally dried gourds have a moldy outer skin which can be easily removed prior to crafting.
Underneath the skin is a smooth shell. Most gourds have some degree of mottling on their shells which may
or may not be desirable to you. Prior to cleaning the skin off, its almost impossible to tell exactly what the
shell will look like. Many gourd vendors sell cleaned gourds, so if you are looking for something specific, its
best to purchase a cleaned gourd. Be aware that whena

If the gourd is to serve a functional purpose or be cut, wood burnt or carved it should have a fairly thick, dense
shell. Different varieties of gourds have different various shell thicknessesshell thicknesses and densities
and both can vary with individual gourds of the same variety. When selecting a gourd for shell thickness and
density, some things to consider are: the weight of the gourd compared to other gourds of similar size and
variety; if the shell is visible, color can be an indication, dark shelled gourds tend to be thicker than light
colored ones; but most importantly is the feel of the gourd. It should not give when squeezed with firm
pressure from your fingers. Thick shelled gourds feel and sound different from thin shelled ones. Avoid any
gourd that has a papery feel or sound when handled. Anytime you visit a gourd vendor, handled a number of
gourds. Prior to crafting your gourd, take a moment to feel it and then compare what you felt with what you
see when you cut it open. You'll soon develop a feel for accurately predicting shell thickness and density. If
you plan to craft the gourd whole, such as painting, these two things are less of a concern, but you still want
to avoid very thin gourds.

Additionally, when choosing a gourd you want to make sure it is completely cured. If the gourd is not
completely cured and dry when crafted, the residual moisture may affect any finish you apply or the gourd
may even rot. The seed do not have to rattle in a dry gourd, but the seed mass should be loose in the interior
of the gourd. Often, seed masses stick to the sides of the gourd during the drying process and can be
loosened with a couple of sharp raps of the gourd against your palm. If the seed mass fails to loosen, the
gourd may not be completely dry.