Click on thumbnail photo for full image.
The classes will remain posted for a little longer for general class information purposes. If you are interested in a particular class or type of class in the future, please let me know. Michelle Thompson, 601-782-9444, email Michelle
SATURDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 19, 2015
NEW CLASS ADDED ON AUGUST 30, 2015–SAM4
SAM1—WEAVING ON A GOURD BOTTOM
Teacher: Carol Maddox, Bossier City, LA
Sat., 8 a.m. to noon. Cost: $45 + $5 MSGS registration fee
Skill level: All Levels
Ages: 14 and older
Approx. Project Size: 9-10” wide by 8-9” high
Leave class with a finished project? Maybe
Min/Max # of students: 3/7
Student will learn to create a basket on a gourd bottom. Most students should be able to complete project in class.
Instructor will supply: tutorial, prepared gourd bottom, and all products and supplies needed to complete the basket.
Student must bring: small bucket, spray bottle, old towel, scissors and apron.
SAM2 – CARVED FILIGREE VINE GOURD
Teacher: Renee King, Hattiesburg, MS
Sat., 8 a.m. to noon. Cost: $35 + $5 MSGS registration fee
Note: This class will be held outdoors in the covered arena.
Skill level: All Levels
Ages: 12 and up
Approx. project size: 8” wide by 8” high
Leave class with a finished project? Yes
Min/Max # of students: 2/12
Student will learn the characteristics of various carving burs and how to make a carved gourd using your own design. You will be able to take this knowledge with you and make different designs, shapes and carvings.
Instructor will supply: tutorial with patterns and several choices of leather dyes to color your carved filigree vine gourd, carbon paper, gloves, cotton balls and spray sealer.
Student must bring: prepared kettle gourd bowl with exterior and interior cleaned, 8-9” tall by 8-9” wide; Dremel tool (or any handheld rotary carving tool) with burrs and collets; face mask for dust protection; and apron/large shirt to cover your clothing.
SAM4—WOODLAND MAGIC (New class!)
Teacher: Michelle Thompson, Raleigh, MS
Sat., 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: $38 + $5 MSGS registration fee
Skill level: All Levels
Ages: 12 and up
Approx. Project Size: 7” wide by 5” high
Leave class with a finished project? Yes
Min/Max # of students: 3/12
Learn how to layer masking shapes and alcohol inks to create depth and visual interest. When the masks are removed, the ferns and leaves magically appear! Photo shows variations.
Instructor will supply: cut and cleaned open gourd bowl, vinyl masking shapes (ferns, leaves, and vines), alcohol inks, spray sealer, and all supplies needed to complete class project. Instructor will have two hair dryers for shared class use.
Student must bring: apron. Optional: An Exacto or craft knife (helpful when removing masking) and hair dryer.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON CLASSES, SEPTEMBER 19, 2015
SPM1—ALL-OCCASION GOURDAMENTS
Teacher: Nicky Blakeney, Taylorsville, MS
Sat., 1 to 5 p.m. Cost: $20 + $5 MSGS registration fee
Skill level: All Levels
Ages: Students under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Approx. Project Size: 2-1/2 to 3” wide by 4 to 5” high
Leave class with a finished project? Yes, semi-finished. See *Note.
Min/Max # of students: 2/12
Student will learn ways to apply alcohol ink to an egg gourd, add sealer to make them look like glass, and add hanger and embellishments. The two gourdaments pictured above are the same gourd, just different views to show the variations. *Note: Only one coat of sealer can be applied during the allotted class time. We might squeeze in a second coat by speeding up the drying time with a heat tool.
Teacher’s finished gourdaments have three coats of sealer. Student may choose to add more sealer at home.
Instructor will supply: 1 egg gourd per student and all supplies needed to make the gourdament. Should a student wish to make more than one gourdament, there will be an extra $10 charge for each.
Student must bring: apron or painting shirt to cover clothes and a happy smile.
SPM2—CONTINUOUS COILING AND ALCOHOL INK DYES
Teacher: Katie Westmoreland, Vinemont, AL
Sat., 1 to 5 p.m. Cost: $50 + $5 MSGS registration fee
Skill level: Intermediate
Ages: 12 and up
Approx. Project Size: 8” wide by 5” high
Leave class with a finished project? Yes
Min/Max # of students: 1/12
Student will learn the technique of applying alcohol ink dyes in a marble effect and finish gourd with a continuous coiled rim.
Instructor will supply: gourd, black waxed linen thread, and basic supplies for this project.
Student must bring: apron. Bring your color choice of waxed linen, if you prefer a different color than black.
SPM3—MOSAIC WATERCOLOR GOURD CROSS
Teacher: Carol Maddox, Bossier City, LA
Sat., 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $30 + $5 MSGS registration fee
Skill level: All Levels. Ages: 12 and up
Approx. Project Size: 7” wide by 12” high
Leave class with a finished project? Yes
Min/Max # of students: 3/10
Student will complete a cross using gourd pieces, lacing, and watercolor techniques on eggshells.
Instructor will supply: tutorial, gourd pieces, and all products and supplies needed to complete the project.
Student must bring: apron, Exacto knife, scissors, heat tool or hair dryer.
SPM5—TROPICAL GOURD BRACELET
Teacher: Renee King, Hattiesburg, MS
Sat., 1 to 5 p.m. Cost: $40 + $5 MSGS registration fee
Skill Level: All Levels. Ages: 12 and up
Approx. Project Size: 8” long by 2” wide
Leave class with a finished project? Yes
Min/Max # of students: 2/12
Student will learn the characteristics of woodburning and coloring a gourd bracelet using colored pencils. You will be able to take this knowledge with you and make different designs and shapes. Bracelet will be sealed with a clear coat and embellished with beads. Sizes and colors will vary. 
Instructor will supply: tutorial with patterns and all supplies to complete your new tropical gourd bracelet.
Student must bring: A woodburner with woodburning pens and jewelry pliers. (If you do not have a woodburner, you can draw pattern on your gourd. If you do not have pliers, I will have pliers to share.)
