Craft Project: Glitter Gourd Ghouls

When I see gourds, I definitely think of fall, so when a friend gave me a bag of odd-shaped miniature gourds, I saw a whimsical Halloween craft. With a little bit of paint and lots of "bling" in the form of glitter, I crafted faux-sugared pumpkins and ghosts.

These charming Halloween ornies, bowl fillers or "treats" can be handed out to friends and co-workers this season. Any shape gourd will work for this craft. Some of the gourds I had seemed perfect for ghosts and others for pumpkins, but even with one shape, you can make both Halloween characters.

Approximate Time: 1 to 2 hours, includes drying time

Supplies:

• miniature dried gourds
• orange acrylic paint
• white acrylic paint
• black acrylic paint
• black paint pen
• paint brushes
• Mod Podge
• clear crystal or iridescent glitter
• ribbon and hot glue (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Paint each gourd using either orange or white acrylic paint. Some of my gourds had stems, while others did not. I chose not to paint the stems. I just thought they looked more natural that way. Paint two coats for complete coverage.

Step 2: Use a black paint marker and black acrylic paint to make faces on the pumpkins and ghosts.

Step 3: Completely cover the surface of your painted gourds with Mod Podge. While the Mod Podge is still wet, sprinkle clear crystal or iridescent glitter over the gourds. I used both by mixing them together. Shake off the excess and allow them to dry. There is no need to buy several colors of glitter for this project.

Step 4: If using the Halloween gourds for ornies, make a loop with ribbon and hot glue it to the top or tie it to a stem.

By Cyndee from Winfield, KS