For the uninitiated, cutting open a dried gourd (which can be done with a craft knife or miniature jig-saw) can present hazards; the resulting dust is extremely fine and can cause respiratory problems, requiring adequate protection.

A bitter taste or smell is typically evident when opening a gourd and indicates that preventive measures should be taken.  More safety information is available at the American Gourd Society web site.

The harder outer surface lends the gourd to a wide variety of creative appeals, including carving, pyrography, sculpture, basketry, masks, musical instruments, and much more. A steadily growing following has emerged in the United States and other Western countries for the use of gourds for artistic and craft-related purposes.

There is a steadily increasing list of books specific to this subject. One of these is "Beyond the Basics: Gourd Art"  (Sterling Publishing) (Hardcover) by David Macfarlane. Barbara is one of the artists featured in this beatifully written and illustrated book.

Barbara studies each gourd until it almost dictates what it wants to be. When you touch your first gourd, you will now know the patience, love and care that went into making your one of a kind, unique gourd art that is very special indeed.

Gourd crafting (or gourding as it is often referred) is supported by festivals and art/craft events in practically every U.S. state, Canadian province, in Australia and elsewhere. The oldest running U.S. Gourd Festival is held in North Carolina; the 2006 event will be the 65th Annual event, held in Raleigh.

The Running of the Gourds is held at (Wuertz Farm) every spring in Arizona and is fast becoming one of the largest in the U.S.A.  Finely crafted gourd art pieces can fetch considerable prices, often into the high hundreds and more. A gourd artpiece created by a California gourd artist on commission was valued at USD$20,000 in 2003; the piece was inlayed with precious and semi-precious stones.