Outta-My-Gourd, Southwest Gourd Art

ourd Crafts have caught on across the country like wild fire. Here in the southwest next to the U.S.-Mexican border we are known as "Gourditos". There are now many gourd crafters in our area to share our work & ideas with. Outta-My-Gourd has been very busy this year. Take a look at our new work. We think our gourds have a distinct style, and we find ourselves ever evolving. We work hard to keep the web site up to date to reflect our constantly changing ideas . Welcome and enjoy our wares. To coin a popular local saying, "Mi web site es su web site."

As Bob works from actual leaves. He draws, carves and cuts the design into the gourd. He then stains it with wood stains to enhance the color. It takes the job of raking the leaves to a whole new level.

My favorite gourds to make are the Cat Boxes and Dog Bowls. I have a huge file of cat pictures to work from. Cats have such wonderful expressions and are really generic so any kitty is a good kitty. Dogs are different. You have to be specific because everyone wants his best friend to look like his best friend. So, I work only from a photo of your dog.

Turtles are spiritual and there are many turtle people out there. Bob makes so many turtles, we have a zoo of the little creatures. Of course we include the lizards and frogs in this category of reptiles. I happen to like snakes but most women won't even look at a snake.

The crafts of our native people; Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi are abundant in our area. I have been very influenced by this art style. My artistic nature leads me to reflect the lifestyle of these nature loving people.

People always ask me, "What is this for?" My response is, "You can put stuff in it. "These are baskets, bowls and pots of all kinds. I remind everyone not to put any thing wet in them. They do make great gifts for any occasion. Just fill it with goodies of your choice.

You wouldn't come to the Southwest without seeing chiles here, chiles there, and chiles chiles everywhere. So we have lots of chile bowls. They have been treated so they can be used for Tortillas, Chips, and Salsa with a glass bowl inserted inside the gourd.

Birdhouses are one of our most popular items. I have been making cutouts of Hummingbirds and Butterflies to sit on top of a colorful flower. It gives a three dimensional look. The newest idea we had was to make birdfeeders. They really work. Bob coats them with spar varnish to last longer outside.

My daddy always asked us kids, "What, were you raised in a zoo?" Well I guess so because I love to paint animals. My favorite is the Noah's Ark. I made about ten animal cutouts, and an Ark and Noah to watch over them. All of my animal bowls have a special spiritual message. You just have to see them to believe them.

I guess if you asked anyone what we are famous for it would be the Nativity scenes. Bob has his specialty and makes about ten at a time. They are all stained and the picture of simplicity. I make a variety of styles from Southwest to traditional. They range in size and intricacy. We are always adding new styles and no two are the same.

Our Garden is very bountiful as well as beautiful. We have tomatoes, pears, and apples, you name it. There are flowers galore for all seasons and reasons! Use the boxes and bowls for potpourri and special trinkets. If you like it... it will happen.