This week we started the gourd decorating class, which is now being held in Pilates Hotel, a much nicer venue for us than where it was going to be held.
There are 3 of us on this course, so have more time with our instructor Savvas, and a thank you to Kelly for interpreting for us. 
Some very fancy decorated gourds were waiting on the table for us. Do they really think we will achieve this, correct myself. Will I manage it!!
                                             

There are protractors on the table and some printouts and a tool for cutting into the gourd and of course the pencil for drawing out your pattern.
Never again will I look at one of these and not realise the hard work that goes into one, let alone the back breaking bending over, clamping a gourd between your legs and watching where you poke its long end piece!!
Your fingers after an hour get cramp, and if like mine try their hardest to lock up. But it is fun fun.
Savvas kindly started us of with the initial pencil drawing on the bottom of  the gourd, you had to do all the cutting, a fancy pattern just for it to stand on. Then with help it was up to us to try and draw the rest. I have not used a protractor since early school days, stupid things, kept going the wrong way for me.
I managed most of the drawing out with pencil, then you have to cut into all your drawing, wipe it over with a damp cloth to see what you missed.

 Will be back for class on Wednesday as I have to miss one due to working in the shop, but will take my gourd with me to try and catch up.



                                             

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Charlie is now coming on very well, and as this is my picture, there is no rush for it so I can take my time.
                                                   

See you all again next week, a busy week, gourd decorating, pastels, working in the shop, hardly any time for housework!