Beaded Gourds Video

A great how-to movie (DVD) about beading your gourds! You've probably seen the beautiful beaded gourds at gourd shows, on the cover of national magazines, or in museums of North and Central American cultural art. These have traditionally been made by covering a gourd (or other vessel) with a beeswax-based mixture that allows you to place beads in a pattern with striking results.

You can do this! All it takes is a class, and this DVD is that class. You will learn about Huichol beading, and how the history and techniques of this craft are perfect using the gourd as the canvas. You'll find out about the tool and supplies you'll need, the preparation of the gourd, and a step-by-step lesson in design, placing the beads, arranging colors and designs, problem solving, and finishing. You'll find out why the beautiful geometric designs are so easy despite their intricate look.

We include a color coded beaded bowl pattern so you can use the techniques of this video for your first project.

In order to complete a project using the techniques of this video, you'll need an egg gourd or a small (4-6 inch diameter) gourd bowl, seed beads, a special adhesive wax (such as Tackee Wax), and a toothpick or our special Beadstop Awl. You can get everything you need on this website except the gourd. Contents:

• History of Huichol beading
• Selecting seed beads
• Choosing your gourd
• Applying the wax and the beads
• Using patterns as a design guide
• Freehand designs
• How to correct mistakes as you go
• Finishing your project