15 GOURDS You Could GROW and CRAFT With - Ep. 041

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 23 авг 2021
  • Welcome to the weird and whacky world of GOURD GROWING, compliments of Gourdlandia. Yes, it's an actual place here in Ithaca, NY where you can learn to grow and craft with a wide range of gourd varieties. This is the brainchild of Graham Ottoson, who is obsessed with all her little (and big) gourd children, and gives us much food for thought (errr craft for thought of what to grow-because as Graham shares in the video, "Why would you ever want to eat a gourd?")....When we get to starting our vegetable beds at Flock, we may just want to grow some of these fine specimens. What crazy gourds would you recommend growing?
    More info at: www.gourdlandia.com/
    --------------------------------
    😎 COOL STUFF ↴
    --------------------------------
    WEBSITE:
    ➨ www.flockfingerlakes.com
    OTHER CHANNEL
    ➨ Plant One On Me:
    / summerrayneoakes
    --------------------------------
    💚FOLLOW/SUB ↴
    --------------------------------
    ▶ Subscribe to RUclips: bit.ly/3sJ7Alo
    ▶ Instagram+IGTV: / flockfingerlakes
    ▶ Facebook: @flockfingerlakes
    ▶ Twitter: @flockny / flockny
    ▶ TikTok: @flockfingerlakes / flockfingerlakes
    --------------------------------
    😄SUPPORT ↴
    --------------------------------
    if you like this episode and the others, then be sure to “Subscribe” to this channel and hit the Notifications bell. This really does help keep the channel moving forward! Also, you can become a pillar of support for the channel by becoming a Sustaining Member. More information here: bit.ly/2MvqUPz
  • ХоббиХобби

Комментарии • 221

  • @kai-rhone
    @kai-rhone 2 года назад +27

    I absolutely love her energy.

  • @amossymindset
    @amossymindset 2 года назад +49

    This was the most fantastical and groovtastic video to watch in between my coding lessons! I’m studying to be a software engineer so we can move out of the city and build a homestead/animal sanctuary and y’all’s videos of these neighboring businesses & farms are giving me LIFE! What a wonderful artist and property! Thank you so much for sharing with us💚

  • @Coopsterish
    @Coopsterish 2 года назад +29

    Gourds are the perfect vessel for the hunter/gatherer in all of us. Cool story about the symbiotic relationship between the Purple Martin and the gourd. Who knew?

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia 2 года назад +2

      Right. Sometimes I wonder about that first hunter/gatherer who picked up a gourd. I'd love to know that story.

  • @mslydialove
    @mslydialove 2 года назад +51

    It’s so fun to watch someone so passionate for what they do!

  • @suburbanhomestead
    @suburbanhomestead 2 года назад +6

    Why don’t I have friends that write odes to cucumber beetles? I must be in the wrong crowd…

    • @FlockFingerLakes
      @FlockFingerLakes  2 года назад +1

      You'll have to come to the Finger Lakes Siloe!

    • @suburbanhomestead
      @suburbanhomestead 2 года назад

      @@FlockFingerLakes I know right. Maybe climate change will pave the way to a less bone chilling winter out there soon.

  • @Ayupixie
    @Ayupixie 2 месяца назад +2

    I adore how ya'll match energy!

  • @BethOvertonCPMmidwife
    @BethOvertonCPMmidwife 3 месяца назад +3

    She was a midwife!!! So was I and now I'm retired and growing things. I'm also an artist and just decided to try growing gourds so I can make artsy things.

  • @charispowell7361
    @charispowell7361 10 месяцев назад +3

    Now I wanna do dipper gourds! So gorgeous!!! And I love this personality! I just grew 2 louffa gourd vinesme have had so much fun this summer with this doggone vine! I'm just gonna have to make a light!! Thanks for video!!!

  • @gourdlandia
    @gourdlandia Год назад +2

    This is me, Graham, from Gourdlandia.... I'll be teaching a class through Atlas Obscura next month: Gourds Gone Wild: Growing and Crafting Gourds. 4 sessions, covering so many techniques!!

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia Год назад +1

      If this video stirs up your longing for gourds, consider joining the class!

  • @glynnphillips9703
    @glynnphillips9703 Год назад +2

    Mss,Gourd Lady the world is blessed to have you in it ✨️ ✨️✨️

  • @LunovaLabs
    @LunovaLabs 2 года назад +4

    So cool. I was like huh?! But I’m glad I watched it. Now I want to grow them!

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia 2 года назад +1

      I'm glad you watched too... turn that huh? into an ah!

  • @soubunny3661
    @soubunny3661 9 месяцев назад +3

    The guy playing the gourd was lit 🔥

  • @DixieGirl9876
    @DixieGirl9876 2 года назад +11

    Loved this one! As a lifelong gourd grower I would. haha I've grown bottle gourds, martin gourds, bushel gourds, ornamental gourds, canteen gourds, dipper gourds, goose neck gourds, snake gourds, Chinese bottle gourds, kettle gourds, African zulu gourds, apple gourds, cannonball gourds, Mini Tenn. spinner gourds, spoon gourds, dinosaur gourds and some I'm sure I've left out, . lol I have egg shaped gourds that I use in my nesting boxes to train new hens where to lay and to use in crafts, I have martin gourds nearly 30 years old my FIL grew, did you know during the civil war they grew canteen gourds between boards for really flat gourds (to fit in pockets) and they carried their drink of choice in them, as well as gun powder. For a school project once my daughter and I made a thumb piano out of a martin gourd with wood burned designs on the sides, it makes the sweetest music. I make jewelry with them and other instruments. Gourds grow really well here in the south, all the old timers that gourd farm leave their gourds in the field till it frosts a couple of times on them, they say they last longer/cure better. I like luffa gourds too, very useful from the bath to the kitchen and even in soap making. I have many gourds I've made into bowls and home decor items, some are painted, carved or wood burned. I've lost count as to how many varieties I've grown over the years. Apples gourds and pumpkin gourds are some of my favorite, they grow in that shape. Gourds are nature's containers!

    • @FlockFingerLakes
      @FlockFingerLakes  2 года назад +2

      Love it! Glad there is another gourd-loving person out there!

    • @GrandmaSezSo
      @GrandmaSezSo 2 года назад

      DixieGirl-You are someone I would love to get to know. I've dappled in gourd growing since moving to TN 6 years ago. Gourds do ok on their own here and I've never had to hand pollinate. My challenge is insects. I do not use any chemicals whatsoever as I grow my own food too.

    • @Chillycherry10
      @Chillycherry10 3 месяца назад

      Have you never grown lunchlady gourds? Currently growing one rn! #APES

  • @bizygirl1
    @bizygirl1 Год назад +2

    This was so fun to watch. I’ve read about your place in the American Gourd Society Magazine. I grew up with wild gourds but started creating art with them as an adult. Fast forward 30 years and I’m still at it. It’s been fun checking out your video. Hello from the west coast of NorCal.

  • @theophrastuscarnegie6242
    @theophrastuscarnegie6242 2 года назад +6

    Q: What airport did the gourd land at?
    A: LaGourdia.
    Awesome episode!

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia 2 года назад +1

      Hahahahahaha! Good one!

  • @sammijane1640
    @sammijane1640 2 года назад +3

    Mind blown :)
    Amazing

  • @Niquis
    @Niquis 2 года назад +7

    Wow, beautiful artworks made of gourds! And the lady is so delightful and passionate about her work! Inspiring! It is also very surprising how incredibly many areas, aspects and possibilities of growing plants exist in the world.

  • @YunaOnHome
    @YunaOnHome 2 года назад +1

    You both got on so well, I could see quiet a friendship developing.

  • @XRoxyOnPaws
    @XRoxyOnPaws 9 месяцев назад +2

    GOURDS ARE SO COOL I LOVE THEM AAH!

  • @pabloacosta5050
    @pabloacosta5050 2 года назад +2

    Omg! I love the energy in this video.

  • @verlenelewis9866
    @verlenelewis9866 2 года назад +5

    Such a fun and fascinating episode!

  • @pennysimpson4707
    @pennysimpson4707 Год назад +1

    Thank you for this video. I've learnt how to isolate, and discern male from female. You've solved my squash problem.

  • @dewantoroo
    @dewantoroo 2 года назад +4

    I sometimes still can't believe i watch these contents for free ❤️ another awesome episode with awesome passionate person

  • @kathleenborsch1312
    @kathleenborsch1312 3 месяца назад +1

    I saw a video of someone creating the resonating chambers of a sitar out of very large gourds.
    Also, my daughter has learned how to embellish a round gourd with coiled basketry technique that is very exotic and beautiful. (Teacher is Jane Wilson.)
    I think I might try to grow round gourds now. Thanks for the informative and inspiring video!

  • @jeslynnebrown1979
    @jeslynnebrown1979 2 года назад +3

    Omg!! This May be my favorite video so far!! I'm weirdly drawn to gourds for some reason 🤷‍♀️ Grew my first ones this summer can't wait to see how they turn out!

  • @suekuly4723
    @suekuly4723 2 года назад +1

    Wow! Enjoyed this. Such talent.

  • @ja-uh9gz
    @ja-uh9gz 2 года назад +8

    Love..love this! You feature so many interesting crafters, growers and artisans from your area. It's always so interesting, too...you learn something that you never knew...very educational. Gourdlandia...great name! I love her crafts, too. Thank you, Summer and Graham for another great video. 😃

    • @FlockFingerLakes
      @FlockFingerLakes  2 года назад +1

      You're very welcome. Glad you took the time to watch, appreciate and enjoy!

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia 2 года назад

      Thanks very much! The gourds are teaching me things all the time.

  • @anastasiawak894
    @anastasiawak894 2 года назад +1

    I love that you do these around the area. Just in time for Fall. What a great lady I love her.

  • @asmitadeshpande1712
    @asmitadeshpande1712 2 года назад +3

    Fascinating video. I love how you are bringing us a variety of topics through this channel. It was very informative. Thank you.

    • @FlockFingerLakes
      @FlockFingerLakes  2 года назад

      You're most welcome. Thanks for taking the time to watch and enjoy!

  • @juleyphillips8719
    @juleyphillips8719 2 года назад +3

    The green one grows here in guyana south america the inside is use here as an ingredient for cold it grows on a tree not a vine

  • @sandylee1717
    @sandylee1717 2 года назад +2

    Another fascinating video!👏👏👏

  • @botanyboy5454
    @botanyboy5454 2 года назад +5

    I'm glad to follow Flock Finger Lakes ! I love being surprised with another interesting episode ! I live next door to an eclectic coffee/art gallery. There is a Gourd artisan on premise. I believe I am going to share this with him. He'll enjoy this!

  • @sandyschellhorn5945
    @sandyschellhorn5945 2 года назад

    love love love these videos!

  • @robinbyrd410
    @robinbyrd410 2 года назад +2

    I love love love gourds !!! Really like the sound that Curley dipper gourd made . Going to plant some tunnels this year!! I grew bird house and loofas last spring and I’m hooked on gourds now .

  • @elpidakessapidou7361
    @elpidakessapidou7361 2 года назад +1

    Wow, this is a fascinating video, this lady is a real artist. Thank you for sharing, Summer.

  • @veggiemom5
    @veggiemom5 Год назад +1

    I loved this interview! I love growing gourds.

  • @elizabethg.o6072
    @elizabethg.o6072 2 года назад +1

    Great video! So intriguing!

  • @ourcozygarden
    @ourcozygarden 2 года назад +2

    That night deed 😄 That’s a lot of information packed in this episode. Thank you!

  • @celestecollazo9493
    @celestecollazo9493 2 года назад

    One of your best videos. So much fun! Keep them coming.

  • @helenchild4397
    @helenchild4397 2 года назад +3

    Interesting and informative. This video gave me a good look into Gourdlandia!!

  • @eveturner1260
    @eveturner1260 2 года назад +1

    Wonderful thank you.

  • @sillybeeful
    @sillybeeful 2 года назад +2

    Good Gourd!!! This was such an eye opener 👀 beautiful and hilarious

  • @lindylou3519
    @lindylou3519 2 года назад +2

    Super cool! Love creative & interesting people like her!

  • @Banano91f
    @Banano91f 2 года назад +1

    So interesting content, thanks for sharing 😊

  • @VintageLaboratory
    @VintageLaboratory 2 года назад +4

    and if you put in a mould while the grow to have gourds withexagonal o hearth shaped :)

  • @shirleyking7521
    @shirleyking7521 2 года назад +1

    Absolutely fantastic 😍🤩 Now I'm obsessed ❤❤❤

  • @eveaye2315
    @eveaye2315 2 года назад +1

    Awesome! how fabulous creation art of gourd self growing to create amazingly. Thanks flocks , waiting your episodes.

  • @stacyw3250
    @stacyw3250 Месяц назад

    Beautiful work!

  • @KristinaBakerSmith
    @KristinaBakerSmith 10 месяцев назад

    This is the first time I have grown these. I have the ones that pollinate at night and their doing a great job. Thanks for sharing, I learned a lot😎

  • @Chrysalid00
    @Chrysalid00 2 года назад

    So charming and interesting. Love how much fun you're having in your new community.

  • @Kamryn101
    @Kamryn101 8 месяцев назад

    This was so fun to watch and super informative!

  • @lalop123
    @lalop123 2 года назад +3

    Gourd on you guys!!! Job well done!

  • @preymanta6389
    @preymanta6389 2 года назад

    Oh my goodness how cute are those!!

  • @TheEmbrio
    @TheEmbrio 2 года назад

    So much fun !!!!

  • @joburgerer4127
    @joburgerer4127 2 года назад

    So amazing what this lady is doing. Very inspiring

  • @igneousidol
    @igneousidol 2 года назад +2

    When I was young I tried growing birdhouse gourds...I would like to make a drum or musical instrument out of one...maybe in my future

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia 2 года назад

      Yes! Try again! Give them really good soil.

  • @rickyt3961
    @rickyt3961 2 года назад +5

    that was fascinating.. I never had an interest in gourds until now... she's an amazing artist 👏🏽
    thanks for sharing😉

    • @FlockFingerLakes
      @FlockFingerLakes  2 года назад

      You're most welcome. Thanks for taking the time to watch and enjoy.

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia 2 года назад

      Thanks very much!

  • @cardimelech7521
    @cardimelech7521 2 года назад

    What a fun and informative video!

  • @Zincchromeshema
    @Zincchromeshema 2 года назад

    What a wonderfully fun video!

  • @brianandtamiolson2330
    @brianandtamiolson2330 2 года назад +1

    This video was awesome. I have always been fascinated with gourds and this has inspired me to try and grow.

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia 2 года назад

      Yes! Grow gourds!! Send me an envelope, I'll send you seeds in the springtime.

  • @fredahwiwu5219
    @fredahwiwu5219 Год назад +1

    I've always loved gourds...they were used alot by my ancestors (Kikuyu from Kenya)..now this has made me coo coo

  • @jpallen719
    @jpallen719 2 года назад +2

    These are the same style gourds that Hawaiians used for their music and hula called Ipo.

  • @anniebell6846
    @anniebell6846 2 года назад +4

    Gourds are used at cases fr finger pianos in Zimbabwe

  • @dagmarcirlan440
    @dagmarcirlan440 2 года назад +1

    Such a nice tip! Now I want to plant these too 😆

  • @kimmy6304
    @kimmy6304 2 года назад +2

    absoluzely amazing!!! really really makes me wanna take one of her workshops 😍

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia 2 года назад

      I'd be very happy to teach you some gourd art... come take a workshop!

  • @Jackson-nw5fi
    @Jackson-nw5fi 2 года назад +1

    Just went to backers acres on the way back from a college visit- amazing! Picked up some rock soapwort, salad burnet, Satureja Montana, Chocolate mint, grapefruit mint and spearmint :) forgot her name but the main lady was super nice and full of wisdom!

  • @ramthianthomson601
    @ramthianthomson601 2 года назад

    So nice.

  • @creativeline03
    @creativeline03 Год назад

    Amazing👍

  • @sandradanforth8524
    @sandradanforth8524 Год назад

    Very interesting I have always loved gourds. Thank you for sharing 😊

  • @sashastarshanti3599
    @sashastarshanti3599 2 года назад +2

    Well, that was just delightful. Thank you Summer, and thank you to the lovely gourd growing lady that sees lamps in the beauty of the coolest gourds. She's still birthing procreation into the world.

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia 2 года назад +1

      What a sweet message... thank you for that!

  • @debbiepalmer1094
    @debbiepalmer1094 2 года назад

    She is awesome, what a lovely character. x

  • @itowmyhome797
    @itowmyhome797 Год назад

    Thank you

  • @contessacrisologo
    @contessacrisologo 2 года назад +3

    In my country, the Philippines, we have a traditional head gear made from gourd that was used by folks hundreds of years ago. And I believe there is only one person left who make such.
    Just sharing. 🙂

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia 2 года назад +1

      Gourds and people have such a long history. I'm glad there's someone in the Philippines keeping the craft alive!

  • @jayveetrucilla697
    @jayveetrucilla697 2 года назад +1

    Very fun videos to watch, luv you Summer from Philippines!

  • @venkarri8534
    @venkarri8534 Год назад

    After several decades of my life, I've arrived at the conclusion that gourds are the most suitable vegetables for me. I started roasting all kinds of gourds (along with root vegetables) with clarified butter/ghee in my oven. When I eat those roasted vegetables, I go straight to heaven. It's just incredible. You guys are amazing for having a dedicated gourd farm. I am in NYC area. I would love to visit sometime.

  • @astridekko9229
    @astridekko9229 2 года назад +2

    Oh I loved this. Looking for gourd seeds online now 😄 (Netherlands) so hopefully next year I can grow some 🌱
    Graham is awesome! Very funny. Thanks for making this video 💚

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia 2 года назад +1

      Ooh... I love to think of gourds growing in the Netherlands!

  • @charlottefouquet2616
    @charlottefouquet2616 2 года назад

    Loved this video I am catching up on your journey and this is sooo making me want to add gourd carving to the way too many hobbies I have haha ;)

  • @42apprentice
    @42apprentice 2 года назад +1

    This was fun, and Summer was a fire with the quips

  • @carriepiquette-henderson3625
    @carriepiquette-henderson3625 2 года назад +1

    great video
    \

  • @HappyVacationer
    @HappyVacationer 11 месяцев назад

    Just love your personalities! Wish we were neighbors! Enjoyed!!!

  • @amyp8162
    @amyp8162 2 года назад +3

    This is phenomenal! What a lovely lady/operation! Taking a road trip one of these days

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia 2 года назад

      Oh good... come and make something out of a gourd!

    • @amyp8162
      @amyp8162 2 года назад

      @@gourdlandia heck yes!

  • @RealBradMiller
    @RealBradMiller 5 месяцев назад

    Love, love, love this person's enthusiasm for gourds!!! Would sit and pick her brain for years!

    • @RealBradMiller
      @RealBradMiller 3 месяца назад

      So, now about half my yard is dedicated to gourds this year.... And I have permission to plant anything else, anywhere else on this giant property.... 😁😁😁

    • @RealBradMiller
      @RealBradMiller Месяц назад

      Annnnnnd Graham sent me some seeds! Now, I ordered even more seeds, coming tomorrow from Mary's Heirloom. Can't wait to have a gourd-geous yard, thanks to the contagious enthusiasm of this lady!

  • @rachelevelyn22
    @rachelevelyn22 2 года назад +1

    Beneficial nematodes have worked well for getting rid of cucumber beetles in my backyard in TX! Such a cool video, I’m excited to grow gourds this year :)

  • @stephenking4170
    @stephenking4170 2 года назад +1

    A worthwhile berry fruit to plant is the Japanese Raspberry, often known as Wineberry, Rubus pheonicolasius.
    It has very sweet shiny raspberry fruits. I picked a chip of berries a day off 1 solid plant for a month. They can occasionally be found growing wild around Katikati, Bay of Plenty. Now is the best time of the year to steal rooted shoots.

  • @SheriffofYouTube
    @SheriffofYouTube 2 года назад

    Glorious Gourds great little artist

  • @JeraldBaliteTV
    @JeraldBaliteTV 2 года назад +1

    Very gourd (good) Video! Love it guys

  • @surmanewyorkvlogs8415
    @surmanewyorkvlogs8415 2 года назад

    Hi beautiful, it’s really fun to watch. Thanks dear this is your new friend enjoyed your sharing.

  • @nimfagladismenor3397
    @nimfagladismenor3397 2 года назад +4

    Here in Philippines gourd its kind a vegetables , the recipe we stirred fried w/ shrimps or ground pork on it

  • @chiefredbird7315
    @chiefredbird7315 Год назад

    Kool lady.!

  • @lalop123
    @lalop123 2 года назад +12

    I wonder, does she accept online orders? Her crafts look amazing. And I would love to purchase a piece of hers

    • @ja-uh9gz
      @ja-uh9gz 2 года назад +1

      Me too. I would love to purchase one of her pieces.

    • @JeraldBaliteTV
      @JeraldBaliteTV 2 года назад

      Visit their website

    • @FlockFingerLakes
      @FlockFingerLakes  2 года назад +2

      We made mention of your comment to her, so hopefully she reaches out. Otherwise, contact them through their site www.gourdlandia.com

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia 2 года назад +4

      Thanks so much! I don't have an online store... I'm quite busy just trying to keep my little shop stocked. I don't suppose you have a buddy in Ithaca who could shop (and ship) for you? Or planning a trip to these parts sometime?

    • @gourdlandia
      @gourdlandia 2 года назад +3

      @@ja-uh9gz Thanks so much! I just have the shop you see in the video. I'm glad you appreciate my art!

  • @lolafiiona7014
    @lolafiiona7014 2 года назад +1

    Summer this woman could be your best friend she's the only one I've seen laugh so hard at your jokes 🤣 I love this video and how she grew them on a trellis! So neat!

  • @michaeltassinari3734
    @michaeltassinari3734 6 месяцев назад +1

    Stumbled across the RUclips channel today man I was really impressed. I grew gourds the first time ever this year and was trying to figure out now. What do I do with them? I subscribe to your channel and heard your comment about trading seeds would like to find out more information and I’m really impressed with you’ve done with the gourds you give me some motivation. Thank you.

  • @judymcdaniel8886
    @judymcdaniel8886 5 месяцев назад

    I loved this presentation. Your work is amazing. If I were younger Yea I would be a gourd artist. I am a longarm Quilter and do only freehand quilting. Only what the quilt says. As with your gourds only what they tell you. Good work

  • @dawn2131
    @dawn2131 Год назад

    Officially more in love with gourds than I was before this video....what a weirdo! This woman may be my sister from another mister ! LOVED this video soooo much!

  • @melindawest1861
    @melindawest1861 Год назад +1

    You had me at Titi tassels

  • @lkhfun6575
    @lkhfun6575 2 года назад +1

    Now, I want to grow gourds. But where! Beautiful work!!! Thanks.

  • @lindaperkins4716
    @lindaperkins4716 Год назад

    I so enjoyed your video. I too am a gourd artist, mostly using alcohol inks and pyrography. I tried growing some on a fence several years ago, had a healthy looking crop but when I tried letting them dry, they rotted. Not sure what went wrong. Did I harvest them too soon possibly? Your video has inspired me to maybe try again next spring (I live in Kentucky) but will use an overhead trellis this time. I am fascinated by them and love the connection with nature and Mother Earth. Congratulations on the success of your ventures!😊

  • @mmcm6692
    @mmcm6692 8 месяцев назад

    Hi Graham Ottoson, goodevening. The key to make Gourds as needed sustainable designs is to create a Plastic Moulds design as needed, and wrap it around the gourds fruits itself before they are fully grown.
    By doing, so, all plastics and packaging containers will be replaced at 40-60%.
    Few creative engineers, design artists as to what types of moulds are required as per FMCG needs. Lathe works - polishing- branding with modern Macheniries, eample: Laser Engraving of Brand on Gourds and product detailing on gourds via laser Engraving.
    Would be happy to work on this intresting sustainable products with modern technology,reducing plastics and packaging products.
    Great collections and workshop is amazing. :)

  •  9 месяцев назад

    Nice

  • @Eneri-neme
    @Eneri-neme 2 года назад

    In Argentina, there-s one for the mate, and its widely avaible, almost everyone has or had one mate made with these gourd. I saw it being grown in the dry part of the country, very big and lovely plant. Really, I agree with the functionality, I-d love to have a spoon, and some bowls, too. And use it like a water bottle, too. They are pretty reasistent to falls, too, so...