How to make handicraft with the calabash gourd

The gourd of the calabash tree consists of a hard shell, which can be used for various handicraft items.



Picture : Calabash fruits at tree. The fruits are about 15 cm in diameter ( about 6 inch ). This tree is about 4 meter high ( about 4 and a half yard ).

Plug the ripe gourd from the tree. Don't let it drop on the floor. It's very heavy and can cause the hard shell to crack.

Leave the fruit for about 1 or 2 month in the garden in the open air and rain.
After that open the shell with a iron saw into two half according to the pattern you want to do. Remove the inner part of the gourd which consists of a lot of jelly - or sponge type material.

After this wash the 2 shell parts in a pill of water and scratch out the balance of the jelly material. Once again wash the shell parts and let them dry.

Once the parts are dry they are ready for further treatment like drilling, rubbing with sandpaper, painting etc.