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Figure A above shows what we look like. This picture is first displayed as a thumbnail, like all other graphics on this site. A thumbnail is a low-resolution graphic button. To expand a thumbnail into a full picture, click the thumbnail. Close the page by clicking the expanded picture.
We buy our gourds at gourd farms or roadside stands.We often travel one to three hours to reach these places, which are usually out in country areas. We try to select the gourds that have a good shape and a thick skin. We bring them home wash them and scrub off the mold and scaley coating. While we are preparing the gourds, we let the gourds suggest what design would be most appropriate. Then we cut the gourd open to scrape out the seeds and papery pulp inside. Tom does the cutout work. Karen does the art work and painting, usually with a textured background and finished with clear acrylic spray.
To select rocks for painting, we visit rock quarries and nurseries. In addition, we scour the countryside, including available rivers and streams. As with gourds, the shape, size, and texture of the rock will often suggest the particular painting that will make the rock come alive.
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Figure B, Figure C, and Figure D show us on the road at craft fairs. where our creations have already won several awards. Even when people admire rather than buy, they are delighted by what they see and enthusiastic in their admiration of these charming rock and gourd animals and birds. If you attend craft fairs in the vicinity of North Georgia, or visit gift shops that display our work, you may see us, too. If so, don't forget to say "Hi."
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Figure E shows Karen at work on one of her creations. Figure F show more of the honors we have won at craft shows. Figure G shows Tom at work on his gourd alligator, Exhibit 37, which is so far the largest of our gourd creations.
To contact us, send an e-mail to Karen at
KCassara@bellsouth.net
© Copyright 2002, 2003, 2006 by Karen and Tom Cassara. All rights reserved.
