In most areas of the country, gourds are available for sale in grocery stores or farmers markets during autumn. You can help the children prepare for an ”ART SHOW” by making gorgeous gourd creations. This makes such a good art/craft activity for school or at home.

Materials needed:

Gourds of all colors, shapes and sizes - one for each child at least
Paint
Paint brushes or sponge brushes
Construction paper
Lace, yarn, glitter, cotton balls, and other notions or scraps for embellishing or personalizing
Glitter or glue on gems
Scissors
Glue

What to do:

• Put all art supplies in the art area – have the table covered with a plastic cloth.
• Have the children sit down on the floor in an area in front of you.
• Introduce them to each gourd – tell the name of the gourd and a little about it.
• Ask them – for each gourd – if they can think of something else the shape of the gourd reminds them of – (such as an animal).
• Ask them if they think they could transform the gourd? – What could they do to make the gourd into something different?
• Each child should choose the gourd of their liking and take it to the art table.
• Allow the children time to decorate their gourds and possibly turn them into something else.
• Be sure to have a few parent volunteers at each table to assist and possibly help keep creativity flowing. Some suggestions are good, but do not let the adult take over the project.
• Some suggestions might be to paint all or part of the gourd one or more colors, add construction paper feet, tie on ribbons or bows, add clothing or other adornments, sprinkle glitter on pre-glued areas.
• Don’t be surprised if some of the gourds are completely bedazzled, and others or painted more simply – it is a personal choice of each child.


Hold an Art Show – Invite the parents to come see the creative collections of gorgeous gourds!

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