Prepare a gourd for Crafting!
Pick Your Gourd type!
Pick the gourd that suits your craft. There are so many sizes and shapes of gourds!
You can grow your own, get them at a garden Ctr, buy them at a craft store or online.
If you choose to grow your own or get them at a garden center it may take up to a year for them to dry. It can be messy they create quite a bit of mold. I suggest if you are just getting into it to order a few online to try out. You can buy them already clean or get them not cleaned for a little less $. I suggest to get the clean ones, you will see it was worth the small amount of extra money!
Gourds can have thin or thick shells, if you are going to do some carving the thicker shells are the best, but if you were to drill out holes for a lamp you may want one that is thinner. Use your best judgement to what you believe is the best for your craft.