Class description

 

This is a great "techniques class” for beginners to more experienced carvers who want to hone their carving and wood burning skills. No matter what your gourding level is, you'll benefit from this class. Time will be spent teaching and allowing for hands-on experience to learn the carving technique. Depending on the size of the gourd, some students may not get to wood burning during the class, but fear not. We will spend some time practicing wood burning, on gourd scraps. For students who do not own a wood burner, an alternate technique will also be taught that will allow for achievement of the fine line work. Then students will be able to complete the project at home feeling confident in how to proceed.

 

The instructor will provide everything you need with the exception of the items listed below in the "What you are required to bring section.

 

What you are required to bring

​

• A 6" diameter, thick, cleaned gourd

• A rotary tool (carver or dremel) and all of your burrs

• You specifically need to bring the following burrs:

  • carbide wheel

  • Saburr Tooth safe end dovetail (flat top)

  • sanding drum

• A wood burning tool with a thin skew or spear tip

• Flexible cloth measuring tape

• A pencil with a good eraser

• Eyeglasses or Safety glasses are required when cutting/carving

• A mask is required when cutting/carving

• Optional: Apron, ear protection 

• Optional: A line marking tool

​​

Note: the wheel and sanding drum can usually be found at your local hardware store (Home Depot) in the area where the Dremel products are stored. The Saburr Tooth Safe End (no teeth on top) Dovetail or Acute burr is available online at Arizonagourds.com. 

​

Contact Stacy at sholtz@dslextreme.com if you have questions about what burrs to bring.

​

Class cancellation policy

​If you need to cancel this class, you MUST contact us before August 30, 2026, in order to receive a refund. Note that NGS will withhold $10 to cover processing fees. To cancel, call Patti Jo Newsom at 817-917-7873 or email us at nevadagourdsociety@gmail.com.

If this class does not meet its minimum number of students by August 30th, the class will be cancelled, you will be contacted, and your registration fee will be refunded.

 

All classes are subject to change.

 

About the instructor

Stacy Holtz has been creating gourd art for over 30 years and teaching classes for over 20 years. She has displayed her work in many competitions in California and Arizona, and was the California representative at Bonnie Gibson’s Teachers Academy. Her favorite techniques include carving, sculpting, and weaving on gourds.

  

Questions about this class?

Contact Stacy at sholtz@dslextreme.com