January 15, 2018 by snpcrafts

Creativity After Christmas

While working on my next big piece, I’ve been contemplating the art I’ve made during January in the past few years. Not only did I find that the pieces were some of my best, but three of the past four have won an award of some sort!

2014 – Date Night (formerly Colored Pear Illuminated) – 1st gourd lamp, won 3rd place in sculpture at 2014 Celebration of the Arts

2015 – Teddy’s Balloon – made for my little man – 1st place in Gourd Magazine Spring 2017 Craft contest (resulting in featured artist for Summer issue)

2016 – Ascension – Honorable Mention at 2016 Artworks Members Only show

2017 – Dream – My largest piece to date – sold during my first setup at the Kentucky Crafted Market

Stay tuned for this year’s creation 😁

January 27, 2017 by snpcrafts

Strawberry Swirl (2016)

Photo by: Cheree Federico Photography

Last year I began a new series of gourd that I call the “Strawberries.” These are made from apple gourds, and feature my starting design of leaves coming from the stem (making the lid), with varying patterns of carving, filigree drilling, pyrography, and alcohol inks, cascading down. I incorporate green and red to resemble a strawberry.

This is the second Strawberry. Keep your eyes open for more, they’ll come around sooner or later 😊🎨

January 24, 2017 by snpcrafts

Fairy Lamp #3

I’ve been working on more and more lamps over the years. I love the way I can do my normal artwork, then incorporate a lighting aspect that “shines a whole new light” on the project. This is the first Fairy Lamp that I’ve drawn out and completed, in July 2016. Featuring a fairy silhouette, surrounded by a fantasy swirl of blue and purple alcohol inks. Supporting design included pyrography, carving, and filigree techniques, which also include coloring with alcohol inks. The gourd is attached to a wood slice for a stand, with a led candelabra light in the bottom.

January 17, 2017 by snpcrafts

Dawn (2016)

Dawn (2016) – Gourd vase. This piece features various patterns rising in different directions, surrounded by a sun-like gold glow of the morning. The gourd as a whole does a great job representing my journey as an artist. I’ve taken various paths, trying different techniques, and (thankfully) am still rising, like the sun at Dawn.
This gourd is also the 2nd of 5 gourds that I refer to as the “Accidentals”, which were grown at my mom’s, from discarded seeds along an old fence row within a goat field. Thin, but special.

Dawn found it’s new home during the 2016 Artworks Members Only show.

August 8, 2016 by snpcrafts

Ascension (2016)

Ascension (2016) (9″ x 9″) Hand drawn over Christmas break (2015) and completed in January 2016. This gourd features various patterns, ascending upwards with contrasting designs and divergent directions, symbolizing the varying paths I’ve taken while growing my skill and ability with gourd art. Embellished with pyrography, cutting, and carving.

This piece has been in two juried shows, while being awarded an Honorable Mention in the 2016 Artworks Members’ Juried Show (sponsored by the great Cheree Federico Photography).

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February 28, 2016 by snpcrafts

Hive (2016) – Gourd Lamp

Introducing “Hive.”

This gourd lamp, created in January 2016, sits 18 inches high (including stem) and is 7.5 inches at its widest point. The name comes from the center design, a series of hexagons drawn out while experimenting with various shapes. The name continues to fit once you notice the different patterns working together to create on work of art, with its inner light shining through.

Hive (2016) - unlit front

Hive (2016) - unlit back

Hive (2016) - lit front

Hive (2016) - lit back

Simeck’s Lighthouse

Simeck's Lighthouse - 2015

Simeck’s Lighthouse was a custom ordered gourd for Christmas 2015. This is the second gourd from SnP Crafts that the recipients now have (and a big thank you to their daughter for ordering them). This piece focused on a popular landmark in their hometown of St. Joseph, Michigan. In St. Joseph there are two lighthouses, the main one that is represented on the front of the gourd, and a smaller one nearest to the water that is actually represented on the back of the gourd (and for some reason, I did not take a photo of it).

It’s a great feeling to be asked to create something like this, and like all of the others that were created to be a special Christmas present. I’m also thankful that the new owners are happy with their new creations from SnP Crafts.

December 28, 2015 by snpcrafts

Kentucky Grapplers Gourd

There were several gourd pieces that were custom ordered for Christmas this year. This is the Christmas orders reveal #1: Kentucky Grapplers Gourd.

This piece was ordered by the father of the owner of Kentucky Grapplers, a martial arts education establishment in Bowling Green Kentucky.

Featuring the Kentucky Grapplers logo, with carving, burning, and variety of carved holes, allowing for a wonderful decorative gourd and potpourri holder.

Kentucky Grapplers Gourd 2015

Kentucky Grapplers Gourd 2015 (back)

Thank you 🙂

November 26, 2015 by snpcrafts

Giving Thanks 2015

Most of my artwork takes meaning during and after creation, and this one grew into something that is being celebrated today. Giving Thanks. Traditional colors of red, orange, and yellow accompany patterns resembling feathers and encompassing pyrography, bringing all together and celebrating as one.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the continued support of the work that I do. I thoroughly enjoy creating gourd art, both big and small. Your purchases, kind words, and just checking out my work from time to time, are all very appreciated, and I am very thankful!

Thank you!

September 18, 2015 by snpcrafts

Gourdaments 2015

It’s beginning to be that time of the year! Well, at least for artist and crafts people. I’ve begun creating my little gourdaments (gourd ornaments) and thought I’d give you a peek. Each gourdament is hand drawn on a personally grown egg gourd, decorate with pyrography (wood burning) and a little color added with nail polish (yep, nail polish). After each is completed, I dip them twice in UV-Resistant wood finish to ensure a great, long lasting protection. Each is about the size of a store-bought large chicken egg, but they do vary somewhat.

The designs are all unique, with various symmetrical patterns working together to create a one of a kind treasure for the holidays.

Gourdaments can be custom ordered and personalized. If you like a certain style that you see me post, I can either recreate with your desired colors and personalization, or create a unique version similar to that. Just let me know.

I hope you enjoy 🙂