Gourds & More Canada

06/16/2026

We have just got back from the Pennsylvania Gourd show - and I just have to share an amazing experience…..

I took a class on how to make a tambourine - (BYW - excellent class, excellent teacher - thank you - Sylvia Bisker)

I was seated next to two young ladies from Pittsburg. Țhey were very friendly and I was immediately struck by their youth - normally my classmates are upwards of sixty! Liza was in her twenties and Petra was in her thirties. Both are extremely talented and are affiliated with art associations in a teaching /managerial capacity. LIza attended the Pennsylvania show last year and I believe has started a gourd patch in Pittsburg…….This was extremely interesting to me as gourding definitely needs some young blood going forward - we are all getting on a bit!

I was sat next to Petra so mostly chatted with her……..She is fairly new to woodburning but picked it up very quickly. I watched her creativity transform itself onto her gourd as she decided to share an African legend from Ghana about a mischief spirit. And then also add the word “Gourd” in several different languages…..I was totally gobsmacked…

I took a lot of photos - she so impresssed me with her enthusiasm and love of life…….

The second difference in this class was the ethnic diversity - there were four (not together) participants who were obviously non Caucasian…..

I can’t believe how excited and hopeful I feel about the future of gourding in North America….

I am writing this post in the hopes that you share share share this and spread the good news… Gourding is at last appealing to the young and diverse……..

Both Liza and Petra love writing - had huge notepads - both love cursive and Liza told me she prefers snail mail to email………..

I will never forget either of these two brilliant young ladies and just had to share this experience with you

I now have total Joy in my Heart and Tears in my Eyes………Thank you Liza - Thank you Petra

05/19/2026

Been a very busy spring - hope you enjoy………

05/12/2026

Just finished the second one - inching forward to the size 15 beads……..thinking of calling these “gourd art jewellery”. What do you think?

04/15/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Lisa Mohr, Holly Heath Gallagher, Mary Ann Swader Hoover

04/07/2026

This one I am keeping…….i did the original dragonfly stitch art on a gourd shard many many years ago in a class (I think it was taught by Janet Bissett)…….. I know I didn’t finish it in the class and it took me ages and ages to complete the stitching…….. I carefully kept it knowing one day something would pop up…….

It waited maybe 10 years and then pushed its way forward to become a beaded pendant……

Sometimes you just can’t part with one of your babes…….

04/04/2026

Additions to the lineup of earrings and pendants that I have added to the gourds being shown at the Community in Blooms show next Saturday in Napanee - Why not drop by and check them out…… It’s a great show with a wide variety of vendors. What a great way to welcome Spring…….

04/02/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1488966623270297&id=100064709195029

Pleased to be an exhibitor again this year. Thank you Shannon Baker. I appreciate all the hard work you embrace putting this show together

Looking forward to welcoming spring. It’s been such a long winter this year…….

03/29/2026

Introducing the rest of ‘The Gang!” These are all I had time to make. Ready for their new homes and your Easter Dinner Table…….I think I may keep the pink one with the acorn hat…….

03/29/2026

INTRODUCING………

the first batch of Easter Bunnies………. These three are “spoken for” but more to follow tomorrow. Very limited quantities $25.00 Canadian……..

03/07/2026

The Napanee Beaver is introducing local artists and artisans and I am one of the members of our local arts association who is being featured.

I feel very honoured and truly grateful to Lisa who arranged and is coordinating this project

Thank you Napanee Beaver and the GNAAA (Greater Napanee and Area Arts Association)

In the Studio with Julia Hayes https://www.reddit.com/user/Fun_Zone_8608/comments/1rmlw2c/in_the_studio_with_julia_hayes/