Gourds are the earliest known domesticated plant and have been found, with grains still stored in them, inside caves dating back to 3,000 B.C. They have been cultivated worldwide by many cultures for their usefulness as containers, utensils, ornaments, masks, fishing floats, and musical instruments, to name a few.

Gourd Identification & Preparation

The Fairy Gourdmother®

This page contains information about identifying gourds and how to prepare gourds for painting

Preparing Gourds for Painting
by Sammie Crawford

You must remove all mold and dried skin from the gourd before cutting, drilling or painting it.

Place the gourd in the sink with several inches of warm water and 1/4 cup of bleach. Let it soak for five to ten minutes, turning it to wet all side.

Use a plastic kitchen scrubber to scrub off the softened mold. If some spots are stubborn, use a dull paring knife to scrape off the mold. Remove every bit of mold; it can loosen later and take your paint with it when it flakes off.

Allow the clean gourd to dry overnight. If you are in a hurry, you can dry it in the oven at 225 degrees for ten minutes. Now you're ready to paint. There is no need for wood sealer or any other sealer: You gotta love that!