We grow gourds on our Pennsylvania farm and transform them into charming and whimsical one-of-a-kind creations! No two gourds are exactly alike! These "gourdeous" creations include birdhouses, luminaries, floral & folk scenes, and many nostalgic folk art style characters such as spring fairies, ladybugs, halloween jacks, skellies, witches, santas, snowmen and more. The gourds are primarily hand-painted, however we use pyroengraving techniques with translucent ink dyes on select gourds as well.
It is a long journey from seed to studio, as gourds are planted on the farm each spring, but are not ready for crafting until the following year. Each gourd is carefully selected,...the gourds tell you want they want to be! They are cleaned and prepped, and a design is free-hand drawn directly onto the gourd with pencil. Next they are meticulously hand-painted, carved if necessary and/or pyroengraved. Attention to detail is given to each piece. Our popular "Vintage Collection" of santas, jacks and other characters are inspired by vintage holiday decor and are given a 4-5 step hand-rubbed antique finish. Every gourd is sign and dated.
All of our creations are individually hand crafted for quality, originality and character you will not find in mass produced products. Our work is sold at fine art & craft shows in the Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Northern Virginia regions.
UNIQUE GOURD ART
& Other Hand-Painted Originals
By Kim & Bob Gladfelter
A video by Bil Bowden of the York Dispatch about our gourds! (11/25/11)
