March and April is harvest time at the Welburn Gourd Farm so now is the best time of year to come to the farm and place your custom order to get the best selection of gourds!

(Pictured right, the perfectly round and extremely thick-shelled “sphere” gourd is one of many shapes only available at the farm due to the limited quantity grown.)

Unable to come to the farm? Now for a limited time, simply place a phone or Internet order for $100 or more using coupon code 2VM and you’ll receive a FREE Gift valued at $75.51!

Your FREE Gift includes the new DVD, “How to Use GourdMaster™ Products,” comprised of all the video tutorial clips featured on our web site (and more!), plus you’ll also get a beautiful assortment of 22 cleaned and craft-ready Jewelry gourds of mixed shapes!

Your order can include gourd tools, gourd books and DVDs, GourdMaster™ colors and finishes, pre-washed gourds-by-the-box, or any combination in between. That’s right, any order (excluding gourd classes) of $100 or more qualifies to receive the free gift*!

(Pictured left, round body gourds, cleaned and craft ready. Buy the box of 6 gourds, 7″- 8″ in diameter, regularly $86.68, just $57.46!)

To claim your FREE Gift, start by first adding the free gift to your shopping cart. Then at checkout simply enter coupon code 2VM with your order of $100 or more. Or call us toll free at 1-877-420-2613 to order by phone.

*FREE gift available only while supplies last. $100 minimum excludes gourd classes.

Only a limited number of gifts are available so act now — click here!

“I purchased the Butterfly Votive and Oil Lamp dvd. It is wonderful! The instructions were very clear and precise. I can’t wait to get started on my own project.” -C. Hardy

“We purchased the votive candle DVD, excellent job, Love it very much and learned some neat tips and tricks.”
Thanks. August & Rosemary Calderaro, Originals In Wood

The The GourdMaster™ People’s Choice Competition at the 14th Annual Gourd Art Festival is open to artists of all levels and is a fun and exciting part of the event for all because the festival attendees are the ones who vote on the artwork!

If you love creating gourd art this is your chance to win cash prizes and gain huge exposure for your artwork, and now its easier than ever to enter because the divisions have been expanded!

Kids division: Artist must be 14 years old or under Beginner division: Artist has completed 20 or less gourd art projects and sold less than 3 pieces. Intermediate division: Artist has completed 20 or more gourd art projects but has sold less than 40 pieces. Advanced division: Artist has sold 40 or more pieces. Master’s division: Artist must have won either Best of Show or placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in a Master’s division (or top division) of any other gourd competition. For competition rules and instructions, please visit the Gourd Festival web site — click here!

Gourd art by Pat Schallbrack, won 1st prize in the GM People’s Choice Intermediate division

The 14th Annual Gourd Art Festival at the Welburn Gourd Farm is coming June 26th and 27th, 2010, and YOU could be an exhibitor at the event!

“This festival is my favorite venue. I have exhibited at the Welburn festival for 8 years and it has consistently been one of my best…” –Bill Colligen, Mixed Media Gourd Sculptures (artwork pictured at left)

To request your application online now, click here.

The “One Step Filigree” class with Dianne Connelly sold out so quickly, a second class has now been added! Join Dianne for this fun and exciting class, Friday June 25, 2010 at the Welburn Gourd Farm.

Spaces are expected to again sell out, so act now to reserve your spot!

For a current list of classes being offered and to register for these or many other exciting classes, click here!

March and April is harvest time at the Welburn Gourd Farm, so now is your chance to get the absolute best gourds of the year!

Come to the farm in Fallbrook, CA for the best prices and selection! Remember, this Saturday is FREE Workshop day at the farm.

If you’re not able to make it to the farm, you can always order fabulous gourds by phone or on our web site with our Gourds-by-the-Box selections, and if you act now you’ll receive a FREE Gift valued at $75.51 with any order of $100 or more.

Your FREE Gift includes the new DVD, “How to Use GourdMaster™ Products,” comprised of all the video tutorial clips featured on our web site (and more!), plus you’ll also get a beautiful assortment of 22 cleaned and craft-ready Jewelry gourds!

Visit our web site now (or call us toll-free at 1-877-420-2613) and place an order of $100 or more to receive your gift*! A $75.51 value!

*FREE gift available only while supplies last. $100 minimum excludes gourd classes.

To claim your FREE Gift, start by first adding the free gift to your shopping cart. Then at checkout simply enter coupon code 2VM at checkout with your order of $100 or more.
Only a limited number of gifts are available so act now — click here!

FREE Gourd Workshop this Saturday Mar. 13th, 2010!

Come to the Welburn Gourd Farm in Fallbrook, CA this Saturday, March 13th, 2010 for the FREE Gourd Workshop, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm! Register now — click here!

The workshop is led by Dianne Connelly, who is known for her popular and FUN (even outrageous!) gourd art classes like the “crushed glass” class shown at right.

Let Us Know How You Like These DVD Programs!

Simply purchase $50 or more in gourds at the farm and you’ll receive a FREE Grab Bag of gourds, a $75.00 value while supplies last!

Get a FREE Grab Bag worth $75.00!

Each Grab Bag contains 4-6 gourds averaging 11″- 14″ in diameter, plus 25 tiny “jewelry” gourds. (Please note, these gourds are from last year’s crop and may have some cracks or shell damage.)

You’ll love all the fun things you can do with these “Giant gourds and Baby gourds,” and, of course, nothing is better than getting them for FREE!

FREE Grab Bags will be given on a first-come first-served basis. Limit one per customer. The Farm is located at 40635 De Luz Rd., Fallbrook, CA, 92028. For directions, click here!

The The GourdMaster™ People’s Choice Competition at the 14th Annual Gourd Art Festival is open to artists of all levels and is a fun and exciting part of the event for all because the festival attendees are the ones who vote on the artwork!

If you love creating gourd art this is your chance to win cash prizes and gain huge exposure for your artwork, and now its easier than ever to enter because the divisions have been expanded!

Kids division: Artist must be 14 years old or under Beginner division: Artist has completed 20 or less gourd art projects and sold less than 3 pieces. Intermediate division: Artist has completed 20 or more gourd art projects but has sold less than 40 pieces. Advanced division: Artist has sold 40 or more pieces. Master’s division: Artist must have won either Best of Show or placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in a Master’s division (or top division) of any other gourd competition. For competition rules and instructions, please visit the Gourd Festival web site — click here!

Gourd art by Pat Schallbrack, won 1st prize in the GM People’s Choice Intermediate division

Get Your Artwork on the Cover of this Year’s Festival Brochure!  You could have your gourd art featured on the cover of the festival brochure for the 14th Annual Gourd Art Festival at the Welburn Gourd Farm! Each year, we distribute thousands of brochures around the country and your gourd art could be the piece selected for this year’s cover!Pictured right, last year’s festival brochure with gourd art by Kristy Dial on the cover.Simply submit your exhibitor application by next Friday, March 19th, 2010 for your chance to be selected! (You must be accepted as an exhibitor in the show in order to have your artwork on the brochure cover.) Download the Exhibitor Application now — click here! Be sure to submit high quality, professional-quality photos if you want your art to be placed in consideration for the cover.

The “One Step Filigree” class with Dianne Connelly sold out so quickly, a second class has now been added!

Join Dianne for this fun and exciting class, Friday June 25, 2010 at the Welburn Gourd Farm. Spaces are expected to again sell out, so act now to reserve your spot!

Also, this may be the last time Carrie Dearing offers her “Mountain Lion” class so be sure to sign up!

The class takes place next weekend, Saturday March 20.

The gourd is completely cut out around the mountain lion image, giving it an awesome 3D effect and making it look like the lion is literally coming out of the gourd.

For a current list of classes being offered and to register for these or many other exciting classes, click here!

• Get the New Transparent Pigment Powders at a Special, Introductory Price!
• Submit Your Vote for which Gloria Crane class you would like to see offered next on DVD!
• Get Your FREE Gift Valued at $20.00 when you visit us at the Wuertz Gourd Festival Next Weekend, Fri., Sat., Sun, Feb. 5th – 7th, 2010
• Featured Gourd Art by Serena Kovalosky

NEW Transparent Pigment Powders:

Everyone is talking about the NEW Transparent Pigment Powders by GourdMaster™! Different than the original line of GourdMaster™ Pigment Powders, which are opaque, the new Transparent Powders allow you to create an incredible “see through” effect for amazing new looks with your gourd art.

Pictured right and below, gourd art by Gloria Crane featuring Transparent Pigment Powders for the dragonfly wings.

Transparent Pigment Powders come in two different luster choices. The Shimmer luster gives you a look with more sparkle, while the Satin luster creates a softer look.

Now with this special offer, you get all 7 colors of the new Transparent Pigment Powders in both the Simmer luster and the Satin luster, 14 powders total, regularly $54.46, for just $44.95!

Get the powder set at an even greater discount when you order the new DVD, “Making a Butterfly Votive and Butterfly Oil Lamp” with Gloria Crane.

Not only does the DVD show you how to create a beautiful finish using the Transparent Powder (shown in the “Bonus” section), you’ll also receive a coupon inside the DVD case for $15.00 off the set of new powders, regularly $54.46, just $39.46 when you use your coupon!

The DVD was just released last week and normally sells for $29.95, but you can get it for just $24.95 when you order now, and because it includes the $15.00 coupon you get even more value! Order the NEW Transparent Pigment Powders now — click here!

Submit Your Vote for Classes on DVD!

Gloria Crane offers so many incredible classes, we just can’t decide what to offer next on DVD! Place your vote now using our online voting form and choose which class or classes you want offered next on DVD.

Visit Us at the Wuertz Gourd Festival Next Weekend for a FREE Gift!

The 7th Annual Wuertz Gourd Festival takes place next weekend, February 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2010, at the Pinal County Fairgrounds in Casa Grande, Arizona!

Be sure to visit us at the GourdMaster™ Booth located in the main exhibit hall, booth E12-14 (on right hand side towards the back), and when you purchase just $35 or more, you’ll receive the Limited Edition, 2010 Gourd Art Calendar, a $20.00 value, absolutely FREE!*

*limit one per customer. Not valid with any other offers.

The Wuertz family does an outstanding job putting on their annual event, and if you love gourds this is a show not to be missed! Come out and enjoy the fun, including amazing gourd art and gourd supplies, fun gourd art classes, great food, entertainment, and more!

Show hours are Friday and Saturday, 9am-5pm, Sunday, 10am-3pm. Admission is just $6.00 (or get a 3-day pass for $12) and kids 12 and under get in F-R-E-E! For directions to the gourd festival, click here! To find out more, visit the Wuertz Gourd Farm web site at WuertzFarm.com.

Featured Gourd Art:

This stunning piece by Serena Kovalosky is entitled “Earthpod II” and was several months in creation. Serena Kovalosky’s work is inspired by the pristine wilderness of the mountains surrounding her studio.

This particular piece represents a “carrying vessel”, symbolic of the pods in nature that carry seeds for the next generation.Earthpod II is ornately woodburned with organic designs representing earth, seeds and water.

Gold alloy gilding enhances the nobility of the piece’s symbolic function.

Dimensions: 10”(d) x 5½”(h).Asking Price: $600This second piece, entitled, “Ancient Tree Bowl,” was carved entirely by hand and was made to look though it might have been found on the forest floor.

The deep mahogany interior showcases the intricate carving as well as the detailed design work that has been woodburned onto the surface. The bottom half is gilded in a richly antiqued gold alloy, bringing the piece into the contemporary realm.

Dimensions: 7½”(d) x 6”(h), including stand. Asking Price: $700

 To purchase these pieces please contact the artist directly at:
Serena Kovalosky
Phone: (518) 282-9202
Email: serena@kovalosky.com
Web site: www.kovalosky.com

 Be sure to see our FREE online tutorials on gourd art — click here!

“Hi, I just received my shipment of Giant gourds…I am very pleased with the shipping and quality, even though these are “seconds” they are great and very clean. As you say, the are ready to craft. I am very excited and have many ideas to use.

I have always used New England area gourds which are much thinner shelled. With these gourds I can now try some chipwork and carving. They were quite a conversation piece at Thanksgiving with my ‘non-gourd’ family! I am sure I will be ordering from you in the future! Thanks,” -Jane Darling

Bargain Box of GIANT Gourds! Over 50% Off Regular Price! The Bargain Box of GIANT gourds gives you a selection of 5 extra large gourds ranging in size from 11″ to 15″ in diameter!

Premium gourds in this size range cost as much as $54 each and and a box like this would cost well over $150! But you pay just $69.95 or just $49.95 for the uncleaned box! Click here now!

Pictured left, large 14″ lidded gourd with fall leaves by Pamala Redhawk. Leaves feature the following Ink Dye colors: Classic Green,
Classic Yellow, Deep Red,
Medium Brown.

See the NEW Online Tutorial Now!

“Hi! So far I have ordered 6 gourd inks – which are beautiful and blend wonderfully! I have created some of the most realistic fall leaves!

I have also ordered two gourd cleaning balls. I don’t know how I did it without them. If you’re a serious gourder you need this!! I’m very pleased with everything!!” -Diane M.

Got Dry Gourds?

If you have gourds that are a few years old or if you have gourds that have been left out in the sun, chances are the shells have become very dry.

Dry gourd shells can be difficult to work with. Your Ink Dye colors and other paints and products drag instead of glide on the gourd shell when it is dry making it hard to achieve the look you want in your art work.

Enter GourdMaster™ Protecting Wax and Low-Odor GourdMaster™ Gourd Wax! Both are excellent at replenishing the moisture in dry gourd shells and restoring your gourd’s natural, rich color.

Pictured above, wax partially applied to gourd, and pictured right, wax completely applied to the same gourd sitting next to canteen gourd with no wax.

Plus, you can mix both waxes with your GourdMaster™ Ink Dye to create your own one step color-and-finish!

GourdMaster™ products are specially formulated to be combined so you don’t have to worry about products not mixing or having the color or performance compromised.

Pictured left, a mixture of Protecting Wax and Ink Dye being applied to a gourd using a piece of felt.

Both GourdMaster™ Protecting Wax and Low-Odor GourdMaster™ Gourd Wax can be applied easily to your gourd using a soft cloth or piece of felt. In cold weather or on gourds with dense shells, your wax may not soak in very well and you will want to heat it for a few seconds with your heat tool (after it is applied to the gourd) to make it soak in better.

Get Your Gift Certificates Now for the Holidays!

“I love every item I have purchased from your place. I have taken two classes and hope to take many more. This is a new endeavor for me and I find decorating gourds is exciting.

Also, thank you for helping me when I have called with questions. Some of the questions were pretty silly, but you still answered them without embarrassing me. You all get a gold star for kindness.” -Clarkie Rambo

Get them a gift you KNOW they will love! A gift certificate from the Welburn Gourd Farm is the perfect solution for the gourd lover in your life. Order yours online now – click here!

2 Exciting Gourd Art Classes This, Saturday, November 7th!

Join us this Saturday, November 7th, 2009 at the Welburn Gourd Farm in Fallbrook, CA for one of these exciting gourd art classes! Sign up online now — click here!

Featured Gourd Art

This issue’s Featured Gourd Art is an adorable set of miniature “gourd people” by Mary Thimmesch!

Gourds have been woodburned and painted with metallic ink. The “hair” is made of colorful beads threaded onto wire, and each figurine holds a tiny, hand-beaded gourd.

You can tell just looking at them that lots of love and attention has gone into the creation of each piece! Figurines stand about 6” tall. Sold as a set. Price: $40.00

To purchase this set of figurines and for more information, please contact the artist directly at 316-531-2774 or by email at mthimmesch@cox.com.

CORRECTION: email is mthimmesch@cox.net and web site address is www.marytgourds.com.

Would you like to advertise your gourd art for sale in the Welburn Gourd Farm newsletter? The service is free to gourd artists, find out more — click here!

Gourdially Yours,
The Welburn Gourd Farm
40635 De Luz Rd.
Fallbrook, CA 92028
Phone: 1-877-420-2613

We’ll have the videos for you as soon as they are released. Gee, we sure hope the editing process doesn’t take forever because we love Gloria and can’t wait to learn more from her!

Check back here soon for more on these new videos.