Beyond the Basics: Gourd Art (Beyond the Basics (Sterling Publishing)) [Hardcover]

David Macfarlane (Author)

Book Description

Series: Beyond the Basics (Sterling Publishing) | Publication Date: December 1, 2005

A common wild gourd becomes a thing of beauty in the hands of 25 top artisans who specialize in exploring, expressing--and teaching--their handiwork. Magnificent projects shown in illuminating full-color photos and practical skills introduce you to a diversity of ways to turn gourds into works of art. You use simple media such as staining, stenciling, carving, and pyrography, which are all clearly explained. Projects include an elaborate teapot with a metallic finish; carved oak and maple leaf bowls; "Path to Harmony" gourd with mother of pearl, abalone and turquoise inlay; carved gourd lamps; hand painted and decorated masks; gourd birdhouse with pyrographed Celtic design; lizard and broken pottery designs; and "Baby's New Shoes" with carved, pyrographed, painted finish.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Sterling/Chapelle (December 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402710607
• ISBN-13: 978-1402710605
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #464,637 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Gourd Book, March 17, 2006

By 

Cheryl Burns "Gourd Artist" (Chino Valley AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beyond the Basics: Gourd Art (Beyond the Basics (Sterling Publishing)) (Hardcover)

This is a great book for any level of gourd artist. Not only does it showcase many different artists and styles, it also has a step-by-step project from each one of them. As a gourd artist and president of our local gourd club I am always looking for new material to use or to present to our club. This is one of my favorite books, and I do have all the gourd books I can get my hands on. When I took my copy to our meeting many of our members couldn't wait to get a copy of their own.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in working with hard-shell gourds.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gourd art at its best!, March 16, 2006

By 

Deborah M. Allen "Deb A.M. Allen" (Franklinton, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beyond the Basics: Gourd Art (Beyond the Basics (Sterling Publishing)) (Hardcover)

I really learned a lot about gourds as fine art by reading this book. It is tells you about many of the techniques used by these award winner gourd artists. Large color photos that go step-by-step and helpful hints make you feel like the artists are right there teaching you. Email addresses are listed at the end of book to enable you to contact the artist for help. I emailed a few of the artists and the artists answered. Get this book if you want do work on gourds!

33 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated and full of information, November 25, 2005

By 

Colleen Platt "gourd artist" (Valley Springs, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beyond the Basics: Gourd Art (Beyond the Basics (Sterling Publishing)) (Hardcover)

Well, I must admit I am biased (I'm one of the featured artists), but I do think that David MacFarlane and Sterling Publishing did a wonderful job with this book. Check it out for yourself!

It features over 24 top gourd artists, including Jennifer Avery, Latana Bernier, Rosalind Bonsett, Carla Bratt, Barbara Carpenter, Jenni Christiansen, Lisa Conner, Emily Dillard, Debora Easley, Bonnie Gibson, Geri Gittings, Gourd Artist's Guild, Barbara Holman, Cindy Lee, Melynda Lotven, Anne McGillivray, Jan Meng, Mira Mickler Moss, LInda & Opie O'Brien, Dyan Mai Peterson, Colleen Platt, and Kitty Riordan.

This book is generously illustrated throughout with beautiful color photos. It is full of art, projects, instructions, information and techniques. A must have for anyone interested in gourd art!