RE: MtMan-List: Gourds

["Mill, Kirk" <millk@aydin.com>]

Don't punch any holes. Just hang them up in a cool, dry place and let nature
do its thing. I have found that if you hang them in the fall, they are ready
to work on in the spring (this is in PA).  Then I cut the top off and use a
piece of wire to loosen the seeds. After I get most of them out, I throw in
some pebbles and shake it to loosen the rest. When the inside is clean, I
steel wool the outside to bring out the pattern and give it a coat of
shellac. Then I seal the inside with melted paraffin. My last step is to sew
a piece of wet rawhide around the neck to give me something to attach a
thong to. Add a cork and your done.
Kirk Mill


	Have been following the lines on growing and preparing gourds. I
missed how to
	dry out the gourds before sealing with wax. I've heard you have to
drill a
	couple holes in the bottom to let the moisture out and prevent the
gourd from
	rotting. Would just cutting off a couple inches of the neck work?
And if I
	must punch holes in it, does it matter where?
	Steve