For crafters and artists who like the idea of working with gourds but don't know where to begin, this Beginner's Guide provides basic cutting, coloring, and decorating techniques. Gourds can be made into a container, an animal, jewelry, a face or mask, or anything else you can create. Step-by-step instructions and 361 color images take you through 21 projects using both cleaned and uncleaned gourds. There's the snowman, gourd pin, shadow box, candy dish, and a beaded face mask. Chapters include cleaning and cutting the gourd, coloring and decorating, and easy-to-do projects with your gourd scraps. Though geared for beginners, this how-to book is also a great resource for seasoned crafters who want to take their gourd art to the next level. A gallery of completed projects will further inspire your own creative ideas.