The Fairy Gourdmother

Welcome to the Fairy Gourdmother's® home on the world wide web.

About Sammie Crawford

Sammie Crawford, a professional teacher, designer, author, and member of the Society of Decorative Painters and the American Gourd Society, enjoys painting on gourds so much that she has done it exclusively for the past fifteen years. It has been so long since she painted on a flat surface that she doubts whether she even could.

Sammie's designs have been published in national craft magazines and books she has authored. She has appeared on Willard Scott's Almanac on HGTV three times and has had gourds on the White House Christmas tree three times. These gourds are now part of the Smithsonian Institute's permanent collection.

Gourd Painting Magic

from Sammie Crawford, the Fairy Gourdmother®

The Fairy Gourdmother encourages you to enjoy a well-rounded life; paint gourds! The Designs on this web site will enchant you into entering her world, where gourd cats, gingerbread houses and carousels glow in the soft light from gourd lamps. Your paintbrush is the only key you need, and your guidebook is available on this web site. Just trace Sammie's patterns, follow her clear instructions, and have fun every step of the way. You will find that each gourd is unique, and brings out your own creative talents. Leave the flat world behind; 3-D is much more fun.

Books - Two different books will be offered on this web site . One is currently available, the other will be offered in the near future. Creative Gourds by Sammie Crawford, the Fairy Gourdmother contains 13 projects to paint on gourds using FolkArt Acrylics and Artists' Pigments. The book contains tips on painting, preparing Gourds for painting, a short history of gourds, harvesting your own gourds, sources for gourds and working with gourd patterns. Patterns include the Vining Ivy Birdhouse, Summer Garden Birdhouse, Springtime Dogwood Birdhouse, Seashell Garland Oil Lamp, Butterfly in the Garden Butterfly House, Yellow Lily Oil Lamp, Under Water Treasure Gourd Purse, Antique Carousel Tabletop Centerpiece, Spooky the Cross-Eyed Cat Halloween Treat Bowl, Scarecrow & Pumpkin Tabletop Centerpiece, Pretty Kitty Siamese Cat, Gingerbread House Tabletop Centerpiece and Santa & His Toys Tabletop Centerpiece. The book(s) may be purchased and downloaded in PDF format or mailed directly to you.

Patterns - 20 different gourd patterns will initially be offered for sale and many more will be added in the future. The patterns contain a full color 4X6 image of the finished gourd, palette, list of supplies, trace patterns and detailed instructions for constructing and painting your gourd. The patterns may be purchased and downloaded in PDF format or they will be mailed to you.