TRY YOUR HAND AT GOURD DYEING
using Harburg and Wright’s technique.
1. Get to know your gourd. What shape of opening will it have? A large opening or a small one? Will it have a single focal point, or will it work best with a geometrical design that completely encircles the gourd?
2. Draw the pattern. Mark a line indicating where you will eventually cut the opening in the gourd. Sketch the pattern in pencil on the outside of the gourd, then finalize it using the permanent marker.
3. Cut in the design. With the X-Acto knife, outline the edges of the pattern. In areas that you want to be lighter in color, carefully remove a thin layer of the gourd’s skin. Leave the green skin intact where you want the gourd to be darker.
4. Make the opening. With the pattern complete, use the X-Acto knife to cut a starter hole on the line that you marked for the opening. Slide the keyhole saw or jigsaw blade into the starter hole and, following the line you’ve drawn, cut the opening. Do not remove the seeds or pulp from inside the gourd.
5. Dye the gourd. Pour the strong coffee into
the gourd and set the project aside in a cool, dry
place for about 3 weeks.
NOTE: This stage can get a little smelly.
6. Dry the gourd. Pour the coffee out and remove as much of the wet fiber as possible. Scrape away all of the remaining skin; underneath is the dyed shell. Set the gourd aside until the shell is completely dry and hard. This may take 7– 10 days, depending on your climate.
7. Finish the gourd. With the wire brush, clean any remaining pulp from inside the gourd. Use sandpaper to smooth the outside of the gourd. Seal the gourd, inside and out, with tung oil.
Ipu in the collection of the Bishop Museum on Oahu: craftzine.com/go/oahuipu
(family Cucurbitaceae, species Lagenaria siceraria or similar) seeds available at many garden centers
References:
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