The Gourd, The Bad and The Ugly Fruit

There has been considerable interest in the exciting possibilities of gourd craft for many years now. It is a recreational area which is coming back into fashion, in fact a number of specialist shops and viewing galleries have reopened in the “alternative, arty SW3” area of London in recent times.

There are many ways of preparing the delicate gourds for crafting purposes. The hardened gourds can be couched with Philodendron Sheaths, they can be decorated with lace, and slit weaving is often used to enhance their natural beauty. They can also be drilled or bored out with different tools. In fact a number of effective piercing techniques have been developed over time.

I have been interested in this type of stimulating, creative and immensely satisfying form of craftwork for many years now and many of my more inventive moments were triggered by an excellent book on the subject, which I can wholly recommend:-

The Complete book of Gourd Craft.
ISBN 0-937274-99-2
LARK BOOKS

Learn how to identify the major types of gourds used for crafting. Ever wondered how to prize open a slippery gourd?

A Grand Day Out

I’d been looking forward to today as I looked out the window to make a decision on what coat to wear. As the weather looked overcast I chose my cagoule and walking boots for today’s bashing. I packed my lunch box with my favourite luncheon meat and mustard cress sandwiches. As I filled my flask up with hot chocolate I couldn’t help but keep checking my list. To save time I had laid out my equipment for the day last night. These included my note book, camcorder and voice recorder as a back up. I hadn’t made a decision on where to go. Should I go to Swindon where I once caught a glimpse of a GWR 7812, or go back to Crewe where I saw a British Rail Class 9F 92220 ‘Evening Star”. For some reason or another I’d gone off Crewe, so I headed down south. People often call me a ‘trainspotter’, but I like to be known as a “rail enthusiast”. This can involve lots of standing around in the cold and wet, waiting for that elusive number. However today I was on a mission to spot some classic haulage. I do hope you like the film I took.
www steamsounds.org.uk

joker

Picture drop.

Lady Ba Ba

I can't believe no one has commented on any posts for ages. So I have decided to go for your heart strings. At least put me as one of your favorites.