Welcome to my gourd world
and my online tutorial to help you on your path to learning how to
paint and decorate gourds and other crafts. This tutorial will give you
some basics on using ink dyes, paints, glazes and finishes on gourds.
Please check out my
Burning Gourds tutorial.
Gourd Ink dyes
The Memories regular Ink dyes are the latest rage
among gourd artisans and they are fast becoming the product of choice for
dying or coloring gourds. They can be used to cover the entire surface of your gourd or
you can use them for fine detail work. The
colors are highly concentrated so just a drop goes a very long way.
Ink dyes are transparent so if you use them right out of the bottle you
will have the markings on the gourd show through which creates a beautiful
design. If you wish to have color that is less transparent try
mixing it with Terre Bella Finish's Clear Gel Glaze.
The ink dyes are mixable with each other
with and without varnish. Just mix a drop at a time and store in a buddy cup. Start
out light, a few pin drops of ink to varnish, look at my book for this.
Then you add more drops of ink when you want it darker. To thin them out
you should use working time extender, not water.
Palette Metallic ink dyes
are water based and fade resistant like the regular gourd ink dyes but the
metallic's are thicker and not transparent. They really make your art
work pop!
Check out all the
ink dyes
and
metallic ink dyes
Methods of application
The regular ink dyes are a very concentrated form of color,
so you will be using very small amounts. For small areas you can begin by
using one or two drops on a Cotton-tipped applicator or with a Micro
Taklon detail brush which are also useful for applying color to the very
smallest area of your design.
Applicator cubes are convenient for applying color
to larger areas. We recently discovered 1 inch
applicator cubes
as our favorite, because the foam easily conforms to any surface
irregularities, resulting in a smoother more complete coverage. Simply
apply several drops of dye to the foam surface, and apply to the gourd for
smooth streak free color. To blend and even out the color intensity, try
going over the dyed surface with the foam pad using a patting motion. When
you are through, cover the applicator cube, storing the remaining dye for
a future use. By storing the cube upside down the dye will remain at the
top of the pad, ready for the next use.
Foam brushes
provide another option for applying color to large areas. Just place
several drops of dye on the angled edge of the brush and spread across the
surface to be colored. Blend by patting with the sponge brush or a tissue.
A square of felt is another option for applying dye to larger surfaces.
All the applicators, tools
and Maria Dellos' book on ink dyes listed here are available on our
accessories
page.
The metallic ink dyes should
be applied with a brush such as the Taklon Micro brush or for larger areas
you can use a regular paint brush.
Drying, blending & color
intensity
Water based ink dyes require longer drying time than
alcohol based products such as leather dyes, (depending on the climate and
the condition of the gourd itself) so I highly recommend the use of a
heat tool
to speed up the drying time while heat
setting the dye. Although it is not essential to heat set the dyes, the
use of a heat tool allows you to go on more quickly to the next step
without smearing your work.
Ink dyes make color blending
a snap. Apply the first color, then the second color, slightly overlapping
the first. Use the dry end of a cotton-tipped applicator to blur the
color lines, creating a perfect blend. If working with the colors wet
doesn’t give you a satisfactory blend, try drying the first color, then
overlapping with the second color and blending.
On very porous gourds blending will be more
difficult because they absorb color more quickly. Applying a light coat of
Protecting Wax,
before applying the dye will prevent the gourd from absorbing too much
color.
To achieve a deeper color, dry the first dye
application with a
heat gun
and reapply. Repeat as needed until you have the desired depth of color,
drying in between each application.
Gourd shells can vary greatly in density and
porosity, so results with any product will vary as well. Giving your gourd
a light all over sanding with a fine grade of
sandpaper
(#240 is a good place to start) before
applying the ink dye helps create a more uniform surface that absorbs
color more evenly. Sanding also helps soften the natural water proof
barrier that is part of the makeup of the outer shell of the gourd, while
creating a very attractive, smooth surface. This can be especially helpful
with very dense, hard shelled gourds.
Terre Bella Finishes
(Earth Safe Finishes) products
Click on these links for:
Terre Bella Finishes (Earth Safe Finishes)
sealers and varnishes and
colors
Polyurethane Varnish
It is a
heavy duty varnish with great durability. It has a urethane resin that
gives strong resilience for protecting your projects. It works great on
countertops and objects that endure hard use such as gourd art, children's
rooms and furniture and so much more. Apply two coats a day if using
multiple coats, dries clear, will not crack or turn yellow. Best stored
and used between 65-80 degrees. Water based and non-toxic, contains low
VOC's. Can be used with a sponge, brush or spray gun. I
recommend dabbing it on with a foam wedge. Clean up with soap and
water .
Nautical Varnish (Marine Varnish)
Finally
a water based varnish that stands up to weather. It fights sun, rain,
sleet and snow. This is the strongest of the Terra Bella Finishes. It
dries clear and does not yellow. It has an Ultra Violet additive built
into it so it can withstand all temperatures and varieties of weather and
it is durable and non cracking. Commonly called a Spar/Marine Varnish, it
has been formulated and tested to work in all elements of weather and in
all degrees of heat. This state of the art, non-toxic varnish will offer
protection against the sun's UV rays both indoors and outdoors. Perfect
for Gourds and especially gourd birdhouses.
Pure Color (Colorant)
It is a
dispersed pigment that acts like a dye. Regulate the color intensity of
your medium by regulating the amount of Pure Color added. Compatible with
all Terra Bella Finishes products. Mix, match and enhance the line of
products. Color your varnish, wax, wood filler, gel mediums and more for
added color dimension. Choose from 26 classic colors. Simply use a few
drops to determine strength. A little goes a long way! Pure Color is
fade resistant and non toxic.
Mixed
with the Old World Peasant Paint white you can create your own beautiful
color palette. Start with a quarter size of paint and add 1 drop at a
time of Pure Color to achieve the color you want. Store in buddy cups to
keep it from drying out. Use working time extender to keep from drying
out. Use brush or sponge and be sure to keep them clean and moist.
Start
out adding a drop or two at a time and mix well, color is very
concentrated so test the color before adding more Pure Color. This
beautiful color is fade resistant, non-toxic and has no VOC's.
Pre
Color may be used on many surfaces including wood, tagua nuts, glass and
gourds. Be sure to allow them to dry well and I recommend using a cosmetic
sponge when applying varnish. Soap and Water Clean-up.
Old World Peasant Paint (Pure Paint)
Offered in 12 colors this is a state of the art paint formulated to
achieve an “old world” look using modern technology. It gives a soft and
subtle flat finish that adheres permanently to almost any surface. It can
be used as a primer or paint. Fast drying and once cured it will not peal
or scratch off. A great base for Old World Peasant Paint works as a
primer or gesso and as a paint and basecoat. Make your own paints using
Terra Bella Pure Color.
OPULENCE (SHIMMER
OPAQUE) AND METALLIC
GEL GLAZES (SHIMMER TRANSLUCENT)
The
lizard gourd on the right was done using the Metallic gel glazes for the
background, ink dyes and Opulence for the colors inside
each lizard.
Each
lizard has a different design and color scheme.
I was
inspired to try this background by Maria Dellos who also gave me some
guidance in doing the background. To achieve the background I used
several different colors of gel glaze: bronze, emerald, amethyst, sapphire,
ruby, sparkling gold and white. Using a foam cosmetic sponge I
gently dabbed the first layer of colors using just a little at a time.
Too much and it will not dry right away. When finished with the
first color I repeated the same thing with each color. If you use
too much color it will not dry right away. By the 3rd layer I use
the
heat embossing tool to dry all the
remaining layers. When Maria told me how to do this I thought she
was
crazy thinking for sure that each layer would cancel out the
previous but as you can see it doesn't.
The
lizards themselves were painted with Old World Peasant Paint Black mixed
with pure color black (to give it a rich black color) and
work time extender. The inside colors were done with opulence.
Each lizard has a different design and color scheme but the colors I used
were: copper, magenta, and teal. They do not look like it but
they do have a wonderful "glazed" shimmer. This photo was taken
before the final finish was applied to prevent glare.
Opulence (Shimmer Opaque)
A thick
pearlized gel medium that gives an opaque shimmer, vibrancy and paint-like
opaqueness. Opulence is a rich, vibrant and white pearlescent gel medium.
Try adding Pure Colors to create endless colors. Opulence can be applied
with a foam brush, sponge, finger, or bristle brush and can hold its
texture when dry. Simply scoop out a small amount and spread to get the
desired effects. For a blended look apply 2 or more colors while wet.
Keep a wet wipe nearby to dab your brush in to keep the brush and opulence
moist while working.
Easy to
use on any surface including clothing and will not wash off. Add a little
glitter for more pizzazz. Sponge it lightly on a gourd or other material
for a faux raku effect or paint it on the backside of a glass plate so the
vibrancy shows through the glass. Suggested to use a Terra Bella Varnish
to seal and protect your art. For more working time, add a little of Terra
Bella Working Time Extender. Non-toxic, contains no VOC's. Clean
with soap and water. The Pure White, a very strong white
pearlescent, has been bottled to inspire individuals to create their own
pearlescent Opulence colors. Just add a drop of our Pure Color to
this and you have instant pearlized
gel paint.
Directions for use: Apply with a brush, sponge, finger or any type of
utensil desired. Start out with a light coat until you achieve the look you
want. May add 10% water to thin for a less textured look or may just soften
with a soft cloth or brush. Although there is adequate time to “play” with
the Gel Glaze, it is best to work as quickly as possible. You
can also add extender to prolong the working time. Protect
this beautiful metallic look with one of Generation Green Varnishes.
Metallic Gel Glazes
(Shimmer Translucent)
Glaze
is defined as a transparent medium applied to a surface to give a texture,
color and depth to it. It is fun and exciting to use as you can create
fabulous pieces of art by “layering” the glazes over each other.
Versatile and easy to use for an Old World look or a modern metallic Deco
effect. Use one color or several colors for an
interesting shimmer effect. Make he surface “pop” or just highlight by
enhancing edges or raised parts or deep crevices. For a stronger look
Generation Green (Pure Color Pigments) Colorants can be added to the
glaze.
adds
texture to and keeps texture on the surface, even after drying. Shimmer
Translucent can be used as a clear glaze over an existing basecoat or
you may add paint or colorant to make your own color using Generation
Green Colorants. Great on vertical surfaces as it does not run
or sag. Use with sponges, plastic bags, brushes, rags, paper, tissue paper,
stencils, kitchen utensils for different effects. Generation Green
Shimmer Translucent holds stamping imprints. If texture is not desired,
simply soften with a soft cloth
Directions for use: Apply with a brush, sponge, finger or any type of
utensil desired. Start out with a light coat until you achieve the
look
you want. May add 10% water to thin for a less textured look or may just
soften with a soft cloth or brush. Although there is
adequate time to “play” with the Shimmer Translucent, it is best to
work as quickly as possible. Protect this beautiful metallic look with one
of Generation Green Varnishes.
The
photo on the right is another example of six different colors of
metallic gel glaze applied on top of each other. As you can see
depending on the colors used you will get a different appearance.
The photo on the left shows you some of the gourd ornaments made with
several different layers of metallic gel glazes. Each ornament started
with a different base color and then each layer was a different color so the
effect is totally different for each gourd as you can see from these and the
gourd in the top right photo. Experiment and have fun!
Extender
Adding a
few drops gives minutes of extra time to extend the drying time of your
paint, stain and/or glaze to get the results you want. Can be used in
sealers, varnishes, glazes and any other water based product Keeps
products from drying so quickly Non toxic, water based. Works great with
Opulence. Simply add a few drops to your medium as desired.
Protecting Wax
Protecting Wax is a high quality and durable finish. It won't crack,
chip, fade or yellow. It is a lovely finish as acts as a water repellent
barrier. Perfect for Gourd art and woods, walls, leather paper arts and
so much more. Add Pure color, pigment powders, and inks for colored wax.
Buffs out imperfections. Apply with a soft cloth or your finger, wait 5
minutes and buff for a beautiful luster.
For
gourds that are dried out use Protecting wax before ink dyes or other
color or if you are doing a large area with just ink dyes, mix about 10
drops with 1 tsp of protecting wax and apply with a soft cloth such as
felt. Apply as directed above. This works like a charm to
bring a dried out gourd to life and keeps the inks or other colors from
being absorbed into the gourd.
Wood Texture and Filler
Made
with fine wood particles, the wood texture becomes part of the object.
This wood texture and filler is a high quality art product and can be used
on every surface. You can mix Old World Paints and Pure Color for colored
texture. Add Terra Bella Varnish for the flexibility and to make this
product adhere to your surface for a texture effect. You can sand, stain,
paint, cut and drill into this surface once dried. Air dries quickly
depending on the thickness applied and a heat tool will quicken the drying
time. Perfect for All art and Gourd Art. If texture appears to
be drying in the jar, simply add some water, mix well and it will be moist
again. Soap and Water Clean-up, non-toxic and contains no VOC's.
You can
also use this straight from the jar as a wood filler for cracks and holes.
See instructions below.
Crackle
Brush or
Sponge Crackle over an already dry surface painted with Terra Bella Old
World Paints and Acrylic Paints and Varnishes. Your crack size, thin or
wide depends on how heavy you brush on the medium. BE SURE TO BRUSH ON
PRODUCT IN ONE DIRECTION AND ONLY ONCE, REPETITIVE BRUSHING PULLS OFF THE
CRACKLING EFFECT. Allow to dry. Paint your second coat of product, another
coat of paint, or just varnish it. Small Cracks may not be visible until
you add the top finishing, such as highlighting with metallic wax,
Protecting Wax with Pure Color or Gel Glaze. These products can be rubbed
in with a soft cloth and the cracks will
Combining Products
Memories & Palette Ink Dyes
allow you to customize your own products by combining water based ink dyes
with our other water based products. You can make beautiful metallic dyes
by adding a drop of ink dye to any of the
Terra Bella Metallic Gel Glazes,
mixing them in a
Buddy Cup.
Add ink dye to any
Terra Bella Varnish,
a drop at a time, until the desired intensity is achieved to create your
own tinted varnish. This is ideal for applying color to the very porous
interior surface of the gourd.
Fixing a crack
If
the crack is in the middle of the gourd as happens when you drop one or a
stress line gives, I usually drill a hole on either end of the crack to stop the
crack....glue on the inside with fast setting epoxy, clamp slightly so it
doesn't get out of alignment, then I fill from the outside with Terre
Bella Finishes Products
Wood
Texture Filler.
Apply
to the crack, sand lightly with FINISH sandpaper until smooth.
Or,
you can drill holes on either sides of the crack and the ends and use some
lacing, sinew, waxed threads, etc. in the holes to incorporate as part of
the design.
Pyrography Tutorial on
gourds
For more information on
burning gourds please go to my
pyrography tutorial
More Coming Soon
Happy Gourding©!
Nedra
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Decorating 101", the printed
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tutorials may be copied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
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Updated 11/3/08
