Gourd Crafting

I thought it would be good today to give you another idea for using the small Buffalo Gourds and modify the Indian Rattler design. It is easier than cutting and fitting the stick. To make a hanger, just punch a hole with an ice pick and using heavy wire and good glue create a hanger.
I use leather lacing as the holder, but you could use anything that works.
Keep creating while watching for the Purple Martins to arrive.

Have a great evening,
The Gourd Lady of Rocky Mount

Purple Martins and Freezing Weather

We had wonderful weather here today, went from a cold 20's to possible 54 degrees. We should be so thankful for this. I spoke with a gentleman today that lives in northern Arkansas, he said it looks like a war zone there because of the ice storm. They have been without power for several days now, and not sure when it will be back on. This really makes one appreciate things more!!

I want to give you an idea for a crafting that would be good with children of many ages using the Buffalo Gourd. You can create Indian Rattlers, either large or small ones for Christmas Decorations. Children of all ages enjoy this one. All you need is a small round gourd, Buffalo, we call it. If not a Buffalo, you may use a Dipper Gourd. Cut a hole in the gourd to fit a stick, possibly an inch wide. You may clean the seed out (and save them for planting) and put in some small pebbles. Glue the stick into the gourd through the hole that you cut. You, or the children may decorate the gourd with acrylic paints, or marking pens. To preserve the design, later you may use a light misting of polyurethane spray. If you would like, you may further embellish the stick (handle) and gourd with leather lacing and feathers.

This is a great project for Boy Scouts too!! I used it often in Arts In Education in the schools in Louisiana. I am adding an image of a couple of completed ones so you may see.
For now, have a good evening,
The Gourd Lady of Rocky Mount!!

Purple Martins and Freezing Weather

This time of year, we never know what the weather is going to do. I have heard of years that thousands of Martins were lost due to the freezing weather. We should be thankful that the Martins have not fully made it all over the United States with the freeze and snows we are having right now. We had a mild ice storm here last night, but it was much worse in many parts of the U.S. I am including an image of one year here at Rocky Mount when the Martins did arrive early and we had a snow and ice storm. They did make it through though, probably because it didn't last too long.

Purple Martin Scout Arrival

If you are interested in Purple Martins, it is time to be watching for the Scouts arrival. A great place to track the Purple Martin Scouts in your area is on the Purple Martin Society's website. They have lots of tips for placement of your Martin Houses. We have about 20 Gourd Martin Houses strung in the front of our property here at Rocky Mount and we get excited each year waiting for their return. I am adding a picture of the wagon wheel that we first started out with for our Martin Houses. We had a Martin Box on top and Gourd Martin Houses hanging below. You can see to the right side, we now have a cable with the Martin houses strung on it.

I have added a link to the right for the Purple Martin Conservation Society and the Purple Martin Society.

More about Purple Martins tomorrow,
The Gourd Lady of Rocky Mount

During some of the cold lazy days before planting, you may want to
try helping your Grandchildren or some of the children of your church or community to create their own birdhouse. This image
is one of our Granddaughter's joyful creations!! It is so much fun
for all, and being creative is what it is all about.

For now,
The Gourd Lady of Rocky Mount

Time for planning your "Gourd Patch". Ordering seeds may be an important part of your planting if you want to grow specific varieties. The American Gourd Society is a great place to start searching for seed. There are growers that sell all varieties through the American Gourd Soc.

This may be a good time to contact your local County Agent at the Extension Office about testing your soil for what may be needed to amend it to the correct PH balance.

For now,
The Gourd Lady of Rocky Mount

Gourds in Louisiana

It's time to get ready for planting your "Gourd Patch".