Due to COVID-19, FTWG cancelled its 2020 Conference one week before it was scheduled to start. As a result, this workshop was not taught in 2020.

Gourd Fiber Fun

Skill Level

All levels

Required Skills:

    Class Length

    • 2.5 days

    Description

    Using cleaned and pre-cut gourds, we will create three art objects.  We will learn a variety of techniques including twining, Teneriffe, weaving, dream catchers, and the use of stains and ink dyes.
    Friday will be basic basketry with twined reed and seagrass with the embellishment of Cherokee Curls.  Starting with a gourd bowl, you will cut out the spaces for the seagass and flat reed spokes.  You may dye the gourd or keep it natural.  Twining will secure the spokes and a reed border will complete the rim.
    Saturday we will concentrate on embellishing with the lace technique of Teneriffe, which is usually associated with the middle of pine needle baskets.  We will use it in open spaces, as stitches for button/bead flowers or other objects, and as an overlay of painted inks.
    Sunday will feature the dipper gourd.  We will drill holes in the stem and warp it as a mini tapestry.  The dipper will be drilled for a dream catcher with beads and feather embellishment.

    Fees

    Registration Fee $260
    Materials Fee $45

    Materials Fee includes: All the materials and tools needed to complete the projects.

    Students to Bring

    • An apron
    • An old towel
    • Students are welcome to bring any tools they already own, if they prefer to use their own.
    • Students are encouraged to bring any embellishments they would like to incorporate into their projects.

    Instructor Bio

    Fonda Haddad

    Fonda Haddad currently lives in Mims, FL. She is a fourth generation Floridian who has been a fiber artist since the 1980’s when she was one of a group of artists who had studios at Upstairs Downtown in historic downtown Titusville. She specialized in batik clothing and textiles. Wanting to be more three dimensional, Fonda explored ceramics, baskets and finally gourds. Her gourds often incorporate basketry techniques as well as carving and wood burning. She has taught gourd crafting and basketry at John C. Campbell folk school for the last 18 years.

    Fonda has a Masters in Visual Arts Education and taught in Brevard public school from kindergarten through college. She works in her studio creating artwork for The Downtown Gallery (Titusville) and enters several shows a year including the Fall Festival at JC Campbell Folk School.

    Gallery

    These pictures offer examples of the workshop content or experience.