The Fascinating Way You Can Use Gourds For Home Decor

You may have seen that gourds can grow into some pretty wacky shapes, but did you know that they can actually be intentionally molded as well? The Gourd Project, an initiative begun by designer Jun Aizaki, is doing just that. By 3D printing special molds, they have been able to turn the humble gourd into unique, stylish, and ultimately biodegradable cups and flasks. The purpose of the project is to present an alternative to the single-use cups commonly found at coffee shops, which then often end up in landfills. And while the molds themselves are currently made using plastic, The Gourd Project team is looking to use sustainable materials in the future.

This initiative has successfully brought the technique of molding gourds — which has been used in China for hundreds of years to create implements such as instruments and beverage receptacles — into the modern spotlight. But can it be used in other areas too? Given the fact that these tough-skinned fruits are easy to shape as they grow, you could actually use them to craft your very own home decor. With the right amount of planning, the right mold, and some patience, you could utilize gourds as an amazing fall living room decor idea, which will provide a natural feel and start a conversation at the same time. So, where should you begin when crafting your own special items?

To grow your own shaped gourd, first select your mold. This can be 3D printed, or you could experiment with different options, such as pottery molds. You will want the mold to be a little smaller than the gourd's typical growth size so that it will fully fill out the shape without bursting out of it. Then, you need to plant your gourds. There are several different varieties, so you may want to research the size and look of different kinds to achieve the aesthetic you want. With gourds, it is generally a good idea to start them off indoors during the spring to allow them to sprout before transitioning them outside for their long growing season.

Once you have spotted a small gourd starting to form, place the mold around it and secure it closed with a wire or twine. Keep in mind you will need to open it later, so don't use any materials that will permanently shut it, as this could damage the mold when you try to get the fruit out. If you are growing the gourds on a trellis, be sure to hang the mold from a second anchor so that its weight isn't resting solely on the vine. Then, simply wait. You will need to hold off harvesting until past the end of the growing season, when around six inches of the vine above the gourd has turned brown. Don't harvest too early, as the gourd may be too soft and could begin to break down prematurely. Finally, you can remove your newly shaped gourd from the mold and style it as you like.

To style your molded gourds, you will first need to cure them by placing them in a well-ventilated area for a few weeks, until their skins are hard and they have lost most of their weight. Mold will collect on the outside during this process, so make sure to do this in an area free of humans or animals. Once your gourds are completely cured, you can paint or even lightly carve the outside using a woodburner or rotary tool to create eye-catching designs. Be sure to employ proper safety equipment such as earplugs, glasses, and gloves when using these tools.

Alternatively, your gourds can be repurposed into beautiful flower vases that bring the charm of nature into your home. By cutting off the top and leaving the natural finish of the gourd on the outside, you will get an earthy, grounded feel from your new decor. Keep in mind that this is an organic material, so it may break down over time, particularly if it is used to hold liquid. To prevent this, some people recommend coating the inside of the gourd with a waterproof material such as wax. The impressively-shaped gourds can then be placed on the mantlepiece for a beautiful display or used to make a DIY harvest basket for a touch of classic autumnal style.