Ruthie Franks: Decorative gourds (Location4)

I started growing gourds 20 years ago as the plants are beautiful and each gourd is so unique.

From learning to dry, clean, stain and carve the varieties of gourds became a passion. I look for each gourd to “speak” to me before I begin the process of creating and incorporating color and design. No two gourds are the same. From tiny Spinning Top to large Martin House gourds, each has a character waiting to be developed. 

The true art is the raw beauty of these “Shiny Seeds”, I try to enhance each one's character.