Gourd Art Workshop: Lamps, Birdhouses and More

Turn homegrown gourds into one-of-a-kind works of art as you shape, carve, and finish your own lamp and birdhouse using beautiful, locally grown gourds.

Gourds are among the oldest cultivated crops in the world — originally from Africa and grown in the Americas for over 10,000 years. Often called “humanity’s greatest gift,” gourds have served countless purposes throughout history: carrying water, creating musical instruments, and providing homes for insect-eating birds.

In this workshop, you’ll learn a bit about gourd history while crafting with locally grown gourds. We’ll create a lamp that brings a warm, welcoming glow to your home and a birdhouse — just in time for spring nesting!

Working with gourds is both relaxing and deeply rewarding — no two are ever the same, and each one holds its own character. You’ll leave this class with two functional, one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your creativity and connection to nature. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just beginning, this workshop invites you to slow down, explore, and discover the joy of turning something simple into something extraordinary.

Skills and Techniques:

• Learn how to clean, dye, and drill hard-shell gourds to prepare them for crafting.
• Create stunning projected shadow patterns so your lamps cast a warm, artistic glow.
• Practice precision drilling — you’ll make thousands of tiny holes using a provided micro-carver.
• Transform an ordinary, dried garden gourd into a beautiful, functional work of art that’s truly your own.

Materials Fee: $25 materials fee paid directly to the instructor. Fee covers lamp base, light bulb, and drill bits needed for your projects. All gourds, dyes, and additional materials will be supplied — you just need to bring your creativity!

Special Tools or Equipment to bring: All tools and supplies will be provided for this workshop. You’ll be working with a foot-pedal-driven micro-carver — a handheld tool about the size of a large marker — to create your designs.

Safety equipment such as dust masks, ear protection, safety glasses, and gloves will also be available.

Please wear clothing you don’t mind getting a little messy, and feel free to bring any personal creature comforts to make yourself at home. If you like to listen to music while you work, bring your own headphones — many people find it helps them get “in the zone” while drilling and carving.

Safety Considerations

Gourds naturally develop mold as they dry. All of the gourds we’ll be working with have been thoroughly cleaned and lightly bleached to ensure there is no exterior mold. However, because the interiors can vary, there may still be some natural residue inside.

Safety equipment — including dust masks, gloves, and eye protection — will be provided. If you are particularly sensitive to dust or mold, you’re encouraged to bring your own respirator or specialized mask for added comfort.

Working with gourds is generally very safe, but I strongly recommend wearing a mask whenever drilling or cleaning out a gourd to keep the experience both healthy and enjoyable.

Workshop and Cancellation Policies: Please read our 2026 policies before registering for a workshop. https://www.sanbornmills.org/workshop-policies/