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Hand-Painted
Gourd Bird Feeders
I
had the pleasure of driving down a County Road near
New
Braunfels, TX. recently (summer 2009) and on the side of the road
found a
wonderful
display of gourds, feeders and birdhouses, done by
a
couple, Mark & Carol Graff. Carol does these gourd feeders
and
houses.
Just
imagine one of these beautiful feeders outside the kitchen
window
each morning.
This is what Carol tells
us about herself and her craft:
"I live in the
foothills of New Braunfels, TX. I have been creating and painting
since I was
12 years old. My element
is design and color. I won many awards in High School
for design. I won best
of "Design Artist of California" when I was a senior.
In college I studids art and design, creating posters and drum
set covers for local bands to help
pay for college. My
husband Mark and I developed "Peace Within Works" in
1987, and we have been on the Texas Art's and Crafts Circuit since
then.
I love painting these
beautiful hardwood gourds.
Each is a challenge
to see what they will become.
Preparation takes about
two weeks to complete, from the time they arrive fresh from the
field to the finished product. The gourds go through 3 separate
cleanings, AFTER soaking them for 2-3 days, and carving out the
holes for the bird houses and feeders. I cannot begin a base paint
or stain until then.
Below is a red apple
gourd. They first have to be painted green before I paint 3-4
tints of red, highlighting the blush. Then the branches
and leaves are next, then the flowers.
Each step takes 1 to
1 1/2 hours of drying before I can do the next step.
I seal each gourd with
an environmentally safe sealer, letting them dry for 24 hours.
The final step is pen
and ink, to finish and enhance the design.
I am frequently asked
how long the gourds will last. Gourds historically are used
as drinking vessels in Mexico, and will probably last the lifetime
of the owner"
You can see Mark's cedar
VERY ELEGANT bird houses at:
http://www.peacewithinworks.us/
Below are 5 feeders
Carol made for me. They vary in size between 6-8 inches.
Shipping is actual.
Folks - these are one
of a kind - NO production. If you like
it, buy it. You are
getting what you see.
| # 6010 |
Hand-Painted
Gourd Feeder
by Carol Graff |
$ 39 |
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SOLD |
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| # 6011 |
Hand-Painted
Gourd Feeder
by Carol Graff |
$ 39 |
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| # 6012 |
Hand-Painted
Gourd Feeder
by Carol Graff |
$ 39 |
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SOLD |
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| # 6013 |
Hand-Painted
Gourd Feeder
by Carol Graff |
$ 39 |
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SOLD |
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| # 6014 |
Hand-Painted
Gourd Feeder
by Carol Graff |
$ 39 |
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SOLD |
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Shipping is actual
You pay what I pay to FedEx.
Get a quote first before
you buy.
These are very lighweight.
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