Gourd Jewelry Creation

Ring, Abidjan, made of gourd, paperclay, metal leaf; hand fabricated. Measurements: 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches.

Ring design by Sala Faruq. Photos by Sala Faruq. Copyright © 2010 by Sala Faruq. All rights reserved.

Gourd Growing Diary Revisted

A friend gave me some green miniature bottle gourds, so all is not lost. I do get to experience the drying process even though I did not have any success in growing gourds. According to my research, this process is going to take patience. It could take months for the gourds to dry completely and be ready for crafting.

Work Featured on SNAG's Website

My bracelet, Ahmadu, is featured on the homepage of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) website. Check it out at www.snagmetalsmith.org. If you do not see my bracelet right away, wait a minute or two. The images rotate within each of the three cubbyholes. My image is in the cubbyhole on the left.

Bracelet, Ahmadu, made of gourd and metal leaf. Measurements: 2 1/2 x 4 x 4 inches. 2007. Jewelry design by Sala Faruq. Photo by Sala Faruq. Copyright © 2007 by Sala Faruq. All rights reserved.

Gourd Jewelry Creation

Ring, Day of the Dead I, made of gourd, paperclay and rhinestones. Measurements: 1 7/8 x 1 1/2 x 1 inches.

Ring design by Sala Faruq. Photo by Sala Faruq. Copyright © 2010 by Sala Faruq. All rights reserved.

Gourd Jewelry Creation

Ring, First Wave, made of gourd. Measurements: 2 x 3 x 7/8 inches.

Ring design by Sala Faruq. Photo by Sala Faruq. Copyright © 2010 by Sala Faruq. All rights reserved.

Gourd Growing Diary

I am sad to say my attempt at growing gourds was unsuccessful. I had four plants. Two of the plants never bore any flowers or pepos (baby gourds). One bore flowers only. And, one bore flowers and pepos. The pepos died off within days of their development. I believe the plants did not do well primarily because of a lack of sun. I get less than two hours of sun per day on my patio. Then, my plants were plagued with powdery mildew even though I treated them with organic fungicide.

Gourds, Banjos & Clocks

How is a gourd, a banjo and a clock related? To find the answer, go to my wall post dated August 18, 2010 (11:32 am) on Wells Fargo History Museums' Facebook page.