Customer Reviews

The Decorated Gourd: Beautiful Projects & New Techniques

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This book has something for every and anyone interested in gourd crafting. Clear instructions written in Dyan's appealing natural tone along with the beautiful photography will encourage beginners to test their creativity and inspire experience gourd crafters to stretch. As an experienced gourd artist(with my masks having appeared on the covers of two national maazines), since reading the book my work has taken a different, more adventurous turn. Using the techniques as a starting point, both the gifted artist and the amateur will be amazed at the work he/she can create. And, best of all, every time I pick up the book, I discover something new that I've missed before. I hope this is the beginning of a series of gourd art books for Dyan Mai Peterson.

Ms. Peterson's new addition to the gourd crafting community is another giant step towards unlocking the creativity hidden in all of us. She will take you from garden to a piece of artwork through easy to understand methods. Beautifully illustrated, "The Decorated Gourd" has the ablility to let you see the talent in a novice crafter such as myself, or hone the tecniques of the seasoned artist. This is a much welcomed addition to any crafters library, exploring new mediums and ideas. With Ms. Peterson's guidence, a few simple supplies, and imagination, it will allow almost anyone to create a piece of beauty. Enjoy this book at your own peril, it could lead to a lifetime filled with natures canveses transformed into works of art.

Dyan has written a book that will be of interest to all levels of skills. The basics are included for the novice, and stimulating ideas for the experienced crafter. She has included lots of projects - step by step with complete materials lists - that will be satisfying and fun for all. Best of all, she explores using some unusual techniques that will awaken your own creativity. I enjoyed the tips and techniques that are included throughout. I don't buy many books, but this one will join Ginger Summit/Jim Widess' book "The Complete Book of Gourd Craft" as one of the great gourd references that I am proud to own.

This is the first book I purchased on the way to becoming a gourd crafter--I chose it not only because of the unusual and beautiful designs, but for Dyan Peterson's easy and encouraging approach/tone which other reviewers have pointed out. For me,the most valuable suggestion from this book has been to "branch out" and try unusual designs. Dyan Peterson's style (earthtones, natural designs and embellishments) is what originally attracted me. I'm not one for santas and cute pumpkins--these projects are somewhat more art than craft-oriented. I highly recommend this to seasoned gourd crafters who want to try something new, or to artists like myself who are interested in painting, sculpture and pottery and are looking for a new medium (an addicting one at that!) to experiment with. As Dyan Peterson would say, Happy Gourd Days!

For artist that want to try their hand at gourd art, this is a beautifully illustrated book. Artists are very visual , and this one will motivate you visually to get started or give you more ideas to create your own works of art.

This was the very first book that I bought on Gourds and it gave me the inspiration and confidence to begin in the medium. Dyan's instructions are clear and thorough. I highly recommend this book!!

As a novice in crafting with gourds this book gave me all the information from choosing a gourd to cutting, staining or painting, and creating texture to a gourd. Worth the money for anyone starting out on gourd crafting. Excellent resorce.

love the ideas in this book. Can't wait to try the projects. Excellent teaching methods.

This books is great! Great ideas and beautiful art. Thank you Dyan for sharing your craft with us!

This book has wonderful photos and lots of GREAT ideas for beginners and advanced gourd decorating enthusiasts! It will surely inspire the artist in all of us!