try this site

http://www.avesstudio.com/Aves_Tutorial__Gourd_Embellishment_by_Sherry_Goshon.pdf

good luck

Don't know about that one, but have a product called Creative Paper Clay that has been successfully used on gourds. I haven't used it yet, but it was recommended by a gourd artist whose work is beautiful.

I tried to provide a link to the PaperClay Company, but hopefully you can find it with a simple search on google.

Jan

Thank both of you for your replies. You have both been very helpful. I was able to contact the woman about the clay she used, and she directed me to this site where you can purchase the clay:

http://www.avesstudio.com/Products/Apoxie_Clay/apoxie_clay.html

I wanted to list this website so that anyone else who might be interested can take a look.

Brandilyn

Sorry to keep posting, but here is the site that Jan was talking about:

http://www.paperclay.com/product.htm

I want to thank you again Jan for listing this site. I think I will try it because the site states that the clay is sold at Hobby Lobby so it should be easy for me to get. The only thing I have a question about is if it will stick to the gourd without having to use glue? I looked on the site and this is what it said:

"It adheres easily to wood, canvas, and most surfaces without glue!"

It says wood and canvas, but a gourds surface is a little smoother than wood and I know it is smoother than canvas. Does anyone know if it will stick to gourds? Thanks again for all the help!

Brandilyn

The surface of gourds is similar to sanded woods, so you may be able to attach it directly. Otherwise, scratch or sand the area you want to stick the Paperclay to. An emery board may work well.

Sue

My first attempt at using the PaperClay wasn't a great success, but I'll be trying again soon.

Jan

Is this Gourdqueen? I know she uses paper clay and 2 different epoxy clays. Both are air dry clays but the epoxy clays are so strong. Magic-Sculpt is one name she's given me (if it's Linda). I've just tried Das air dry clay after using Creative Paper Clay on faces and it works very well too. I always put some water on my gourd where the clay will go and it acts like a glue with the clay. The more water you use will cause some clays to crack. The ones mentioned have very little cracking. Celluclay is also great for hat bands and other areas that need to be ruff or fuzzy looking. I love using this medium!
Sue in MN

I make victorian santas and I was wondering if the clay on a gourd would make a great santa face. Has anyone every tried that?

I found this recipe for paper clay on the Welburn gourd farm site.I thought I would share it here.Haven't tried it yet but plan to soon.
Paper Clay for gourds
4 C. Sifted flour
4 C. cold water
1 pint Elmer's white glue
Mix the water and flour in a sauce pan until there are no lumps.Stir continually over medium heat until mixture is clear.Remove from heat and make a hole in the center of the mixture with a wooden spoon.Add the Elmers glue(or any white glue)and mix until smooth.Tear 1/2 roll of cheap toilet paper into pieces,(the cheaper the paper the better it works)and work it into the mixture.Set aside to cool.Place mixture in a zip lock baggie and refrigerate.This will keep several weeks in the refrigerator.Use as you would any modeling clay.Forms well on gourds,air dries and can be painted with acrilics,water colors an other craft paints.

Thank you Lillie for the recipe for clay-I will be trying it very soon--I have worked a lot with ceramic clay so this should be very interesting--Nancy

I am researching clays to use on a gourd. However, I do a lot of sculpting with paper mache and make my own with newspaper torn in strips, soaked in water and then blended in a blender into a pulp.I then strain it and squeeze out as much water as I can and then mix it with PVA glue (Elmer's glue). It is very strong. I intend to try my own method after reading these posts that use paper clay. Thanks. Janice