July being a month in the midst of summer, many people are having cookouts, pool parties, and vacationing at the beach.  I've tried to make this issue focused around all of that and have some useful ideas for those events.

A special tribute to Aurelia Conway, a leader and mentor to many in the gourd and painting world. She passed away, Saturday, May 29 while attending the Society of Decorative Painters Conference in Phoenix, AZ. I had met her on several occasions and will truly miss her. To visit her work, click here.

FREE PATTERN Watermelon's just seem to go with summer time and cookouts. I hope you will enjoy this whimsical pattern and adapt it to many things. This bowl can be used to hold chips or plastic utensils at your next gathering. Click here for pattern and directions.

Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you will live forever. (Gandhi)

WHAT'S NEW THIS MONTH Make your own necklace with this new kit, limited supply. Kit includes 2 mini kettle gourds cleaned and holes in, black waxed linen thread, full step by step directions for two different necklaces-or make your own. KT-102 $15 includes shipping           (order button to left) Another new idea, check out the napkin rings you can order. You can find them on the misc. page here

Click below to order necklace kit

How about a gourd dip container? Check it out here.

PHOTO'S TO SHARE I've been very fortunate to have many people order long leaf pine needles from me. I'm always so thrilled to see photo's of their work with them and wanted to share some with you. Click here to see.

PAINTING TIP Rubbing alcohol works well to get stubborn dried paint lose from your paint brush. Soak the brush in alcohol for several minutes, then work around in it. Wash with soap and water. **For a special treat here's a link to a great tutorial on a faux Turquoise and/or faux punched tin technique offered by my friend, Hellen Martin: Click here

Click photo to enlarge

MORE NEW STUFF

CHECK OUT THE NEW FALL PAGE, CLICK THE PUMPKIN

CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE