Thank you so much for the information. I’m new to gourd crafting and pyrography, basically learning through videos. I especially liked the tip on setting the heat higher when burning on gourds. This will be a great help on my next project.
Looking for gourd burning tips and here you are! Great vid. 👍 First timer here…I love pyrography and had been passing by a farm with a ton of gourds by their barn many times. Finally stopped and bought 3 to try to burn on! Soooo excited!!! The tip about temp and thickness was very helpful! Good job on all tips. You got me. I’m subscribed🥳
Thank you for this info. I have two gourds on my table staring at me, begging me to burn them. All of your tips will be so helpful. Can't wait to get started. I just needed some motivation and you just provided it. Thanks!!
I enjoyed all three of the videos. I think I liked the first one best for me. But the second one was also inspiring. Making me realize I don't have to always plan everything out so much and just start burning. thanks for the info
My neighbor gave me two 8-shaped gourds which she grew in her backyard. They are green. How long before they turn brown and are ready for burning? Would a coat of epoxy work on my finished project or will it ruin it? Maybe a coating of spray enamel? Thanks for any advice you can give me.
I think those are bottle gourds. Those generally take a few months to cure. And as far as I understand, I’ve heard that gourds fluctuate too much for a super hard finish, which is why the professionals use a form of oil and wax. But I don’t see why you can’t try it and give it a shot! Good luck🔥🙌
This is another great video, thank you so much! If I wanted to add color to my woodburned gourd, can I use alcohol inks or do you have any other suggestions? Also, if you're using the gourd as a decorative home decor piece, is there a different type of finish to use or is shoe polish the best for all woodburned gourd art?
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes alcohol inks are great. Acrylics and gouache are good too if it’s not going to get hot or cold or used for food. You can use other sealants just like wood if it’s just for decoration. Here is a video about sealants: ruclips.net/video/8WK1B1dw7_U/видео.htmlsi=qvvzEq4u8lXGpYYV
Oh gosh, one more quick question. Do you have a link for the gourd saw or gourd jig saw you use for intricate cuts and or any cuts? I found one on Amazon, but it doesn't come with transformer cord and the cord cost more than the power tool! Thank you for all your help.
@@BurnSavvy Thank you so much. Do you find that is works with intricate cuts. Is it bulky while cutting. What kinds of projects have you used it for. Just wanted to make sure before I purchase it.
@dianehutchins9206 I’ve only done large cuts with it, and yes it’s bulky. I’m not a saw expert, so it might be good to join some gourd groups on Facebook and see what they suggest. You can actually buy the gourds already cut online if that helps.
I want to burn gourds. What I got, don't sand first, don't hang out in a spot and burn too deep, you need to go slow or go hot. I pass by small round gourds all the time and thought I want to try some woodburning on them. Also, can they be cut open and lights put in? I just have a cheap wood burning kit from Amazon. I hope that is ok to start and learn if I love it.
Glad you got some good tips out of the video! And yes, I absolutely think that’s the best way to see if you love it or not. Yes you can also cut them and light them. You’ll need to clean the inside out before you add the lights though. 👍
My wood burning pen is new and costly, but it doesn't get red hot like yours in this video. I burn gourds, but my pen only seems to get hot enough when pointing up and cools down as I begin to burn. Is there something I'm doing wrong?
Heat is a finicky thing. Heat will transfer from the nib to whatever it’s burning, giving you a very hot moment at first, then should have a consistent heat after that initial transfer. That’s totally normal. But if it doesn’t stay hot enough, it could be the machine doesn’t get hot enough, could be the hand piece cord is a light duty cord instead of heavy duty, could be that the nib isn’t connected completely so it isn’t getting enough heat from the machine. Keep testing it out and see if you can fix it. Gourds do take a high heat so if it doesn’t get hot enough you may need to buy or borrow a hotter machine.
Excuse my ignorance, but what is a " gourd " ? Im just starting my pyro journey and have really taken on board your tips etc, luvin watching all your videos from across the pond...Bonnie Scotland .
Happy to hear you’re enjoying the videos! A gourd is basically a hard-shelled squash, something that has been used for centuries in many different countries. They are dried and hollowed out to use for things like bowls, utensils, pitchers, instruments, etc. 👍
I burned a gourd for the first time today. I have a plaid wood burning set with the different nibs. I had the heat up all the way but could not get it to flow. I had to tap, tap, tap, etc in 1/8th inch intervals, trying to make it look like a cohesive line. I cannot run the thing across the surface and get a continuous line. What am i doing wrong?
That’s frustrating! Most pyros have to touch up their lines because wood and gourds are not even like paper, and heat is not as constant and reliable as pencil. I’d hate for you to feel like you’re doing things “wrong” when really you’re just learning what works and what doesn’t. 🙌🔥 Honestly it could be lots of things…. First, try turning the heat down and moving slower. Also, try the swinging technique to fill in the gaps (if you don’t know what that is, you can see it explained in this video: ruclips.net/video/UVT1biX3Vmk/видео.html). Hope that helps!
I have never burned this hot. I use low temp and repeat over the area. I check temp by signing my name. Not much smoke or red tip. May be difference in wood and gourds. Just based on my experience as I pyro- etch most of my work.
That’s certainly another way to go about it. 🙌 I don’t like to go over my work much if I can help it because I find I make more mistakes that way and it takes me longer.
@@BurnSavvy as you said you can’t erase a burn on a gourd. Haha! Done that more than once. I tend to shade light into dark but if doing lines I definitely do darker. You shared some great info and it is exciting to see more artists working with another type of mother nature’s canvas! Have a “Gourd” Day!
Oh. My. Word. I fell into woodburning a couple years ago. I am so PUMPED to find you and this video! I am excited to check out your website! YAY!
Awesome! Hope you enjoy every hot second of it 🔥
Thank you so much for the information. I’m new to gourd crafting and pyrography, basically learning through videos. I especially liked the tip on setting the heat higher when burning on gourds. This will be a great help on my next project.
So happy it was helpful! Happy burning 🙌🔥
Looking for gourd burning tips and here you are! Great vid. 👍 First timer here…I love pyrography and had been passing by a farm with a ton of gourds by their barn many times. Finally stopped and bought 3 to try to burn on! Soooo excited!!! The tip about temp and thickness was very helpful! Good job on all tips. You got me. I’m subscribed🥳
That makes my day! Happy to help! 🙌🔥
Thank you for this info. I have two gourds on my table staring at me, begging me to burn them. All of your tips will be so helpful. Can't wait to get started. I just needed some motivation and you just provided it. Thanks!!
Glad it was helpful!
I enjoyed all three of the videos. I think I liked the first one best for me. But the second one was also inspiring. Making me realize I don't have to always plan everything out so much and just start burning. thanks for the info
I’m a planner too. Hope you get to try more freehand Micki! And thanks for the feedback 🙌
Your job is really amazing and I want to thank you for your usefull advice!
Thank you so much! Happy to be helpful
Thanks, all 10 tips will apply to me! I have my equipment and am ready to burn!
I love it. Happy burning!
You are very talented ❣️
I appreciate that, thank you!
Curious? Can the shoe polish be used on wood also? 🤔 GREAT info! Thanks!
Yes it can! And I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙌
Hiw to you prep a gours to burn fo they have to be hollowed out and dried?
Dried, yes. Hollowed out, no. But I do recommend that if you’re going to hollow it out that you do it before you burn. 🙌🔥
My neighbor gave me two 8-shaped gourds which she grew in her backyard. They are green. How long before they turn brown and are ready for burning? Would a coat of epoxy work on my finished project or will it ruin it? Maybe a coating of spray enamel? Thanks for any advice you can give me.
I think those are bottle gourds. Those generally take a few months to cure. And as far as I understand, I’ve heard that gourds fluctuate too much for a super hard finish, which is why the professionals use a form of oil and wax. But I don’t see why you can’t try it and give it a shot! Good luck🔥🙌
This is another great video, thank you so much! If I wanted to add color to my woodburned gourd, can I use alcohol inks or do you have any other suggestions? Also, if you're using the gourd as a decorative home decor piece, is there a different type of finish to use or is shoe polish the best for all woodburned gourd art?
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes alcohol inks are great. Acrylics and gouache are good too if it’s not going to get hot or cold or used for food. You can use other sealants just like wood if it’s just for decoration. Here is a video about sealants: ruclips.net/video/8WK1B1dw7_U/видео.htmlsi=qvvzEq4u8lXGpYYV
Oh gosh, one more quick question. Do you have a link for the gourd saw or gourd jig saw you use for intricate cuts and or any cuts? I found one on Amazon, but it doesn't come with transformer cord and the cord cost more than the power tool! Thank you for all your help.
@dianehutchins9206 a jig saw is good for this project amzn.to/3VdNRdZ
@@BurnSavvy Thank you so much. Do you find that is works with intricate cuts. Is it bulky while cutting. What kinds of projects have you used it for. Just wanted to make sure before I purchase it.
@dianehutchins9206 I’ve only done large cuts with it, and yes it’s bulky. I’m not a saw expert, so it might be good to join some gourd groups on Facebook and see what they suggest. You can actually buy the gourds already cut online if that helps.
I want to burn gourds. What I got, don't sand first, don't hang out in a spot and burn too deep, you need to go slow or go hot. I pass by small round gourds all the time and thought I want to try some woodburning on them. Also, can they be cut open and lights put in? I just have a cheap wood burning kit from Amazon. I hope that is ok to start and learn if I love it.
Glad you got some good tips out of the video! And yes, I absolutely think that’s the best way to see if you love it or not. Yes you can also cut them and light them. You’ll need to clean the inside out before you add the lights though. 👍
Just started growing them.... so far got some green ones on vine. Hope to burn and paint something on em if they make it 😂
So fun! I loved growing my own gourds too 🙌
My wood burning pen is new and costly, but it doesn't get red hot like yours in this video. I burn gourds, but my pen only seems to get hot enough when pointing up and cools down as I begin to burn. Is there something I'm doing wrong?
Heat is a finicky thing. Heat will transfer from the nib to whatever it’s burning, giving you a very hot moment at first, then should have a consistent heat after that initial transfer. That’s totally normal. But if it doesn’t stay hot enough, it could be the machine doesn’t get hot enough, could be the hand piece cord is a light duty cord instead of heavy duty, could be that the nib isn’t connected completely so it isn’t getting enough heat from the machine. Keep testing it out and see if you can fix it. Gourds do take a high heat so if it doesn’t get hot enough you may need to buy or borrow a hotter machine.
Excuse my ignorance, but what is a " gourd " ? Im just starting my pyro journey and have really taken on board your tips etc, luvin watching all your videos from across the pond...Bonnie Scotland .
Happy to hear you’re enjoying the videos! A gourd is basically a hard-shelled squash, something that has been used for centuries in many different countries. They are dried and hollowed out to use for things like bowls, utensils, pitchers, instruments, etc. 👍
I burned a gourd for the first time today. I have a plaid wood burning set with the different nibs. I had the heat up all the way but could not get it to flow. I had to tap, tap, tap, etc in 1/8th inch intervals, trying to make it look like a cohesive line. I cannot run the thing across the surface and get a continuous line. What am i doing wrong?
That’s frustrating! Most pyros have to touch up their lines because wood and gourds are not even like paper, and heat is not as constant and reliable as pencil. I’d hate for you to feel like you’re doing things “wrong” when really you’re just learning what works and what doesn’t. 🙌🔥 Honestly it could be lots of things…. First, try turning the heat down and moving slower. Also, try the swinging technique to fill in the gaps (if you don’t know what that is, you can see it explained in this video:
ruclips.net/video/UVT1biX3Vmk/видео.html). Hope that helps!
@@BurnSavvy thank you
@@BurnSavvy it doesn't do anything . ,🫤 It just goes along the top and makes no burn. If i slow down i get burn spots or dotted lines.
@@jillhumphrys8073 That's frustrating. Could be that the machine doesn't get hot enough to burn gourds. Hope you can figure it out soon!
I have never burned this hot. I use low temp and repeat over the area. I check temp by signing my name. Not much smoke or red tip. May be difference in wood and gourds. Just based on my experience as I pyro- etch most of my work.
That’s certainly another way to go about it. 🙌 I don’t like to go over my work much if I can help it because I find I make more mistakes that way and it takes me longer.
@@BurnSavvy as you said you can’t erase a burn on a gourd. Haha! Done that more than once. I tend to shade light into dark but if doing lines I definitely do darker. You shared some great info and it is exciting to see more artists working with another type of mother nature’s canvas! Have a “Gourd” Day!
@@lynnpeacemarino2637 thanks! And same to you 🙌😘
I don't see links you mentioned in the video.
Oops! Should be fixed now
@@BurnSavvy thank you
Happy to help!
Heating temperatures
Each machine is different. You want to burn gourds at a higher heat than you typically burn wood