Online Gathering Project

We need to start with a gourd that is cleaned on the outside and cut into a bowl or vase.

Everyone has their favorite tools to clean the inside of a gourd. If I can, I have my gourds pressure washed on the inside.

Other options, are soaking with water and using the edge of a canning jar lid, or using a drill with cleaning balls and sanding stars.

If you want a small hole for a vase. 

To make it easier to clean and weave  cut it in half where the weaving will cover the cut.

Example of a wavy cut

If you make a wavy cut, it will be easier to glue it back together. 

Draw a line around the gourd where you want your weaving to start. Then measure equal distances around the circle. I usually mark 1/2 or 3/4 inches apart for spokes.

If you are going to weave with thin material like ribbon or yarn, put your spokes closer together. Wider or bulkier weaving materials like wild vines, rope, or coconut coir would need wider spaced spokes.

Drill holes. The hole size is going to depend on what you are using for spokes. A 7/64 drill bit works well if you are using #3 round reed.  In Step Three we will discuss different material to use for spokes.