Retailer Bob White Quail Gourd

Bobwhite Quail Gourd with grapevine nest
Natural gourd, pyrography with acrylic ink dyes and realistic plastic retailer eyes.

Gourd size is 12" tall and 12" wide. The grapevine wreath is 12" x 3". Suitable for indoor or outdoor display.

Mr. Bob White was made from a real natural gourd called a gooseneck gourd; grown, harvested and dried. The gourd was thoroughly cleaned. The design is a bobwhite quail sitting on a nest.
The feathers were made using a pyrography tool (wood burning tool). Acrylic transparent Ink dyes were used to provide color and added beauty. Brown plastic eyes were used to provide a realistic look.
A natural handmade grapevine wreath was made to provide a nest for display.
Spray Spar Urethane (marine grade) was used to finish the gourd as it is specially formulated as a protective clear finish and contains UV blockers and is water-resistant.

Care:
Can be wiped clean with a damp soft cloth.

My process:
After harvesting, the gourds are hung to dry for 6 months or longer.
Once dried the gourds are scrubbed, sanded, cut. The cut is based on whether it will be a chime, bell, bowl, vase/pot, or birdhouse. No cuts are made for animal or people gourds. When cut, the inside of the gourd is thoroughly cleaned of all seeds and pulp.
I use a wood burning pen to illustrate (called pyrography) any images on the gourd. The design is either drawn freehand directly on the gourd or pyrography paper is used. Some designs are stencils printed on pyrography paper.
Acrylic transparent ink dyes are used to apply color and beauty to the design. Some gourds will have carved or textured areas using a rotary tool to provide depth and dimension to an image or the gourd itself.
All outside gourds are finished with Spar Urethane for years of protection. Gourds meant for indoor use will be coated with protective wax or spray polyurethane.