Volume 7, Number 71
www.northerndipper.com
In This Issue:
Maureen Hall: Gourd Art From Down Under
The Bulletin Board: News From Northern Dipper
Out Of The Mailbag!
Gourd Sightings and Trivia
The Bulletin Board
Ugly Gourd Sale
February is Ugly Gourd Month!
Minis with a less than perfect shell but still functional and cheap! Stock up - it will be easy to do at .25 (one quarter) each as long as supplies last. To order click here:
Spring Shows
The Stratford Garden Festival
March 3 - 6, 2011
Canada Blooms
March 16 - 20, 2011
Growers Wanted
Every year we present a series of reports on how to grow gourds. These reports are very useful to new growers, and according to the mail, there are always tips that are useful for experienced growers too.
This year we would like to expand these reports but we cannot do it without your participation. We would like to hear from growers throughout this global gourd village in which we live, and learn about their experiences in growing gourds from around the world. We grow in Ontario, Canada - where do you grow?
More on this idea next month. I am just planting a bug in your ear, something that will hopefully intrique you, give you something to think about!
Maureen Hall
"My inspiration is the
natural texture, colour,
shape, and size of a
particular gourd. I tend to use earthy colours to compliment my gourds and love the raw ethnic finish with a western twist. It works for me."
Jen's Bowl
Mesh Ball
Advice To The New Artist
"In true Ozzie lingo...
JUST HAVE A GO! I Your layers of effort will make for an interesting finish. Just remember there are no rules...just relax and have some fun!"
Betty
"My favorite technique - well that has to be experimentation! I love using my simple little "cheapie" burner for the rustic look and my expensive woodburning set for very fine burning."
My Special Piece
"I hope to exhibit more in 2011 to promote gourd art. In 2010 I exhibited at a local show in Gulgong where I won "Best Hand Crafted In The Show." I also take my gourds to the market on a regular basis."
"I am aware of another gourd artist working in a market about
3 hours from myself but we have
not had the pleasure of meeting other than through email."
"Birdlife is plentiful in Gulgong, particularily with such beautiful gardens and trees. My parrots
are an absolute pleasure and the blue wrens that have just moved in are a lovely reward."
"The parrots love the gourd feeders and I am hoping that the wrens will make the gourd birdhouses their home in the
near future."
Gourd Sightings
PROJECT HARVEST works in the poorest parts of Guatemala and their goal is to enable the people to become self-sufficient. This group is making a difference to the lives of women, children and men in many ways.
To learn more about PROJECT HARVEST check out their
new video on YOUTUBE.
Keep your eyes open as there is a good gourd sighting too!
Out Of The Mailbag!
Hi Carolyn, It was nice seeing
you at the December craft show in Ottawa. I got a bag of gourds from you about a month ago and wanted to show off my first gourd.
I am thrilled with it and now have 3 other gourds at various degrees of completion hanging off my chandelier. I can see how a person gets hooked
on this craft.
Take care, Cheryl Green
Cheryl this gourd is gorgeous! We would love to have you as a featured artist once you get a few more done. You are a natural! Carolyn
Northern Dipper takes a bow...thank you!
Dear Northern Dipper,
I wanted to thank you for a job well done. I love the newsletter and find that I look forward to it every month. The featured artists are incredible and I do try the tutorials when you have them.
I grew my first gourds last
year and was reasonably successful. This year will be even better. In short I think I am slowly turning into a big-time gourd head! Bye for now, Natalie Gregor, Seattle, WA
Thank you Natalie for your
kind words. We're gourd
heads too - enjoy it!
Carolyn and Linda
The Sultan by Mary Anne
Gourd Flute Music
A relaxing experience
Hi there, I was surfing the net
and came across this gourd
flute music. I thought you may want to include it in your newsletter. Hope Ottawa was good for you. Deb
Thanks Deb for the link. Great music, very relaxing. Just the ticket to help us get through February, the shortest month of the year yet sometimes it seems like the longest!
Linda and Carolyn
To hear this gourd flute music
click here:
To learn more about the gourd flute click here:
Happy Valentine's Day
Published by: Pam Grossi Victoria, BC, V8R 2Z7
Northern Dipper
PO Box 1145
5376 County Road 56
Cookstown, Ontario
L0L 1L0, Canada
(705) 435-3307
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