How To Grow, Craft & Sell Hardshell Gourds
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How To Grow, Craft & Sell Hardshell Gourds
EUREKA! YOU'VE FOUND IT! HOW TO GROW, CRAFT & SELL HARDSHELL GOURDS THIRD PRINTING, 2007 EDITION WRITTEN, ILLUSTRATED, PUBLISHED AND OTHERWISE TINKERED WITH BY DAN AMES, CERTIFIED GOURDHEAD ALSO KNOWN AS GOURDMANDAN, GOURD GURU This is the gourd book Gourdheads all across America, Canada and Great Britain (UK) are RAVING about: "Awarded five stars! I highly recommend this delightful book..." J.L., Independent Book Reviewer "The information was very useful and clear. Written for us novices. I have many books on growing gourds, but I find yours most useful. It covers everything I need to know". P.R., Pine Grove, PA "I am so glad I have your manual. Your sense of humor fits a 'gourdhead'. You've written a good manual. It is not only informative, but fun to read and re-read". Underlined by H.G., Corrales, NM "Dan Ames has produced a good all around 'how to do it' gourd manual". From a review in the AGS newsletter THE GOURD "I just finished reading your manual. I see where I've been lacking in some of my tools. Love your writing style". L.G., Crestview, FL For more raves by eBay buyers, visit my feedback page. THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BITTEN BY THE "GOURD BUG" In just a minute I'm going to give you the nuts and bolts of the manual. But, first, I must share with you my enthusiasm for the hardshell gourd. And, I must warn you, my experience, related here, is shared by every Gourdhead I've ever met. You may be next! I have totally enjoyed being involved with gourds for many years. I grow craft and sell them with complete joy. My imagination runs wild in the design and crafting stage. I'm a kid again! I pick up a gourd and anything I can dream up is possible. The creativity behind each piece is a natural high. Drawing patterns, woodburning, carving, staining, finishing...its an crafter's dream come true. Exhibiting and selling the finished gourds at craft shows is more fun than chasin’ hogs!! You enjoy crafting gourds and when you connect with another person who enjoys your art work as much as you do.. .sort of makes you jump up and down on the inside. That person admired my gourds. I handed one to her and she gave me money for it! Then she proudly showed it to her friends as she left my booth. It is at once an exhilarating and humbling experience. OKAY, HERE ARE THE NUTS AND BOLTS (CONTENTS) Introducing the Manual "HOW TO GROW, CRAFT & SELL HARDSHELL GOURDS" This manual is the product of many years of actual hands on working with hardshell gourds. I've done it all...from sticking a seed in the ground to handing a finished gourd to a happy customer. I will show you step by step what I've learned. You'll know what I do and why I do it that way. The exciting thing about this instruction is that it will stimulate your own creativity. There are as many ways to craft gourds as there are gourds and Gourdists. I'll point the way but, will be thrilled when you take off on your own. You'll discover for yourself different ways create just the look you want for your gourds. You'll create better tools for the job you want done. And...you'll never stop learning about gourds! The manual is a resource guide. I will give you exact, current names and addresses of all the resources I use. You can then write / contact them directly for seeds, dried gourds, tools, books, dyes, finishes and other materials used in gourd crafting. Divided into five main sections the information presented is both comprehensive and easy to follow. SECTION 1: GROWING GOURDS (Note: If you do not want to grow your gourds, I'll give you names and addresses of commercial growers that sell direct. Many Gourdists buy their gourds this way) A discussion of basic gardening techniques; types of gourds; planting tips; grow on trellis or ground; how to get more gourds from each vine; mulching; watering; weeding; dealing with disease and pests; how and when to harvest; how to properly cure (dry) gourds. SECTION 2: CLEANING GOURDS How to tell when a gourd is cured and ready for cleaning. Is that ugly mold really necessary? Tools for the job; secrets to easy cleaning; dealing with lumps, bumps (wartels) and bug bites; how to avoid scratches that damage the gourd. SECTION 3: TOOLS FOR CRAFTING A complete description of every tool I use and why I use it (most homemade that you can easily make too!). Tools I don't use and why. Drills; scrapers; steel wool; files; paint brushes; pot scrubbers. When, where and when not to use sandpaper. SECTION 4. PROJECTS YOU CAN MAKE Step by step instructions take you through simple to complex projects; bowls; birdhouses; vases. Open the gourd; removing the innards; saving seeds; drawing the pattern; woodburning; painting; staining; finishing. Finishing mistakes to avoid. SECTION 5: THIRTY SEVEN WAYS TO SELL GOURDS This is a really fun section. Discusses craft selling basics, shows, craft malls, retail gallery, consignment, wholesale and more. Thirty seven different ways to sell! You can be as creative in selling your gourds as your are in crafting them. Finally, selling your gourds on the internet! The manual is new, comb bound, soft cover, 123 pages, 8.5"X11". Five sections of comprehensive easy-to-follow instructions. Sorry, no color photos. Your copy will be signed by the author. A FINAL THOUGHT You could buy three different books on these three different subjects; growing, crafting and selling. You would probably pay $25.00 for each of them. Whew! $75.00...and you still wouldn't get as much useful information as you will find in this manual! CONGRATULATIONS! YOU'RE JUST A FEW KEYSTROKES AWAY FROM OWNING YOUR VERY OWN COPY OF "HOW TO GROW, CRAFT & SELL HARDSHELL GOURDS" FOR ONLY $14.95 YOUR SATISFACTION IS GUARANTEED! You must be completely thrilled with your purchase or your purchase price and postage will be promptly and cheerfully refunded. I only ask that you email me of your intention to return the item and tell me why. Ship it back to me in the original package within seven days of your receipt. Return postage is non-refundable. Every item I sell is guaranteed to be as advertised. No unpleasant surprises as to the condition of the item. If it has flaws...I say so. I COMBINE SHIPPING FOR MULTIPLE PURCHASES I happily combine handling and shipping charges for your multiple purchases. There is a very small fee for the packaging. You select your preferred method of USPS shipping by using the eBay Shipping Calculator. I will send an invoice with correct handling and shipping charges if you request it. You may request insurance on any item under $20.00. The charge is $1.35. I will provide free insurance on items over $20.01. YOUR PAYMENT OPTIONS I prefer PayPal and will ship within two days of receiving your payment (I say that but, actually try to ship the next day (excluding weekends and holidays). Money Orders are accepted and shipping is as stated above. Personal checks or eChecks are accepted with shipping delayed until the check clears, usually within ten business days. International buyers are welcomed but PayPal payment is required. BUY WITH CONFIDENCE! I am take great pride in providing exceptional customer service and making happy customers. Check out my 100% positive feedback and see what my customers think. Am I living up to my store motto "Browsers welcome. Buyers adored!" Visit my "About Me" page for more information. Take a moment to read my helpful guides...interesting and informative. VISIT MY STORE! Here you will find many more wonderful books: crafts, sewing, needlework, quilting; self-help, do-it-yourself. I love the antique, vintage and retro craft books and search them out. I bring them to you and invite you to add your special touch to make their designs, patterns and instructions live again. THANK YOU FOR PERUSING THIS PAGE I appreciate your business! I wish you and yours much health, happiness and prosperity. May we meet again someday in PayPal :) Cheers! Dan Powered by eBay Turbo ListerThe free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items. | ||||||||||||
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