How to Make Dreamcatcher Gourds

The first 7 steps are the ones that are the most important.

You want to make sure your gourd will sit up straight, then you need to wash the outside. These are hard shell gourds that have dried outside so there might be some mold on them. You can soak them in bleach water (make sure they are submerged, and don't forget the stem). Afterward let it dry....then you are ready to draw the circle, cut it, then clean out the inside, and sand the rim.

NOTE: Gourd Dust can be toxic...wear a mask or a respirator and work outside to alleviate the gourd dust from settling inside the house.

Gourds are naturally beautiful and you can do just about anything with them. When my grandkids needed a gift for their mother, I looked at the few gourds I had and we decided to make a dreamcatcher gourd for her. Incorporating a dreamcatcher into a gourd is relatively easy, but there are several steps that need to be taken before you can make the dreamcatcher.

Step 1: Select a gourd that stands up straight- you want the focal point of the dream catcher to be in the middle.

Step 2: Clean the outside of the Gourd, then after it's dry, draw a circle with a pencil.

Step: 3 Using a rotary tool, like the Dremel, or an Xacto knife make a small cut just inside of the line that you will follow around (the hole)

Step: 4: After Step 3 go deeper into the gourd until you have broken through the shell (now you have a small hole. Use the cutting tool and cut out the circle.

Step 5: Take the cut-off part off, and clean the inside of the gourd. Clean everything out as you will paint the inside later

Step 6: After the inside is cleaned out and sanded- take a pair of pliers and cut off the piece of stem on the bottom of the inside if it isn't flat already.

Step 7: Sand the rim of the circle so it's smooth

Step 8: Make the holes for the Dreamcatcher....small holes about 2-3 inches apart...on the penciled circle or just above. Make at least 8 holes the same diameter. The Dremel has a bit that will be perfect for this... just hold the gourd and poke the holes through.

Step 9: Tap any dust out of the inside again...and take a damp cloth to get any residue out.....then paint the inside whatever color you choose.

Step 10: This is the time to do the outside ...I use shoe polish to just give a little sheen but keep the natural look of the gourd, but you can design it anyway you want. Don't forget to also paint the rim of the large circle, or if leaving the outside natural you could also leave the rim natural.

Step 11: After everything you want to do has been done it's time to make your Dreamcatcher. The most important thing to remember is to keep your thread tight....here are directions for how to make a dreamcatcher.

Pictures and content are copyright of Kathy McGraw and may not be used without permission. I would love to know if you have ever done any Gourd Art, or made a dreamcatcher before.  Were these instructions helpful?