"Dried Gourds - Snow Trio"
These ornaments are made from dried gourds. You can buy gourds online or sometimes from a local farm where they sell pumpkins and squash in the fall. They come in different shapes and sizes. The red ornament is made from a "wartie" gourd since it is covered with bumps. You can dry them yourself which takes a few months or purchase them already dried. There are excellent websites and books available for more information.
Instructions:
I painted the outsides with acrylic craft paints. Then I painted on snowflakes in various sizes. I purchased some cheap Christmas ornaments at the local dollar store and only kept the top part--the piece with which you would hang the ornament from. I drilled two small holes near the top of the gourd and ran a piece of lightweight wire through the holes and through the ornament hanger top and twisted the wire ends together. This holds the hanger top to the top of the gourd. A few drops of rubber cement or superglue makes sure the top does not wiggle around. I then added a ribbon bow. Finally, a coat of clear acrylic spray and they are ready to hang.
These instructions may sound complicated but are really very simple and the results, I think, are very pretty and unique.
These ornaments are also very light and won't break if you drop them. Enjoy.
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