Glue-Decorated Gourds Centerpiece Instructions

Gourds are always popular items for fall centerpieces but why stick with their traditional look? Add a special flair to your table this season by making glue-decorated gourds.

For this project, we chose large gourds averaging $10 each, so plan your centerpiece according to your budget.

To create more interest, use a variety of sizes and shapes when choosing gourds.

Our Everyday Dishes printable gets you started with a gourd design.

Feel daring? Create your own abstract design by lightly drawing it on with a pencil! In either case, you’ll want to practice the design with your hot glue gun.

When ready, place the tip of the glue gun on the gourd, begin the design and work your way either around the gourd or from top to bottom.

Let dry by standing the gourds upright in recycled cottage cheese or yogurt containers.

Use painter’s tape to remove any nasty strings of excess glue before painting. To avoid getting paint on the gourd’s stems, cover each with plastic wrap or a sandwich bag before spray painting.

Apply two coats of paint in a color of your choice, allow to dry, and you’ve got a seasonal centerpiece you can be proud of.

Glue-Decorated Gourds Centerpiece Instructions

what you'll need

gourd pattern 1 and/or 2
glue gun and glue sticks
gourds of different sizes and shapes
spray paint

let's do it

Download Everyday Dishes & DIY gourd pattern 1 or the gourd pattern 2 and open in Adobe Reader.
Practice design with hot glue gun on printable.
Wipe gourd with damp cloth, let dry.
Place tip of glue gun on gourd, start copying design printout.
Don’t stress if lines aren’t perfect—irregularity makes artwork look more abstract.
Work your way around gourd or from bottom to top with hot glue.
Place gourds in upcycled yogurt or cottage cheese containers to keep upright while drying.
Remove excess strings of glue before painting, using a piece of blue painter’s tape.
Place gourd right-side up in well-ventilated area on cardboard.
Cover stem with sandwich bag to protect from paint.
Hold can vertically 6" from gourd and paint (read can for best application instructions) and let dry.
Apply 1-2 more coats of paint, letting dry between each application.

Cheryl Says

Substitute colored puff paint for glue and add embellishments or stamps for a look all your own. Of course, the more elaborate you get, the longer it takes.