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Gourds are great! They are easy to grow, even at school, and then incredibly useful. They can also be stored for years, simple to cut and make a wide range of crafts, plus they aren't easily broke and don't have sharp edges. For use in classroom projects, there are few things better than gourds! Let's look at some gourd craft ideas1

First, there are musical instruments, and note it was instruments, not just rattles or shakers. Rattles and shakers can be made by simple putting a hole through the gourd and then adding sand, seeds or even gravel, then plugging the hole and painting the gourd. Thick gourds can be cut and made into toy drums by stretching over bits of rubber such as large balloons or parts of inner-tubes. In Africa and the Caribbean they attach on a small board, add a few strings and suddenly it is a small guitar or banjo.

Gourds can also make cooking items. Bowls are the easiest and made by simply cutting them in half. The inside can be cleaned and polished with the outside being painted or carved. Thin parts of the gourds can also be soaked in water and shaped into spoons or cups, common in many poorer countries.

Bird houses can be made from gourds and will be used by those feathered friends. Depending on the type of bird, it can be as simple as cutting a hole for entry and then put a few small slashes or holes in the bottom. Why these in the bottom? Because the nest needs to be able to dry out after storms, not a problem in trees but is in water proof gourds. Some birds may need a perch , so drill a hole all the way through and add a stick. This houses will be very popular with small species such as the Purple Martin or even Bluebirds.

Then there is just having fun with gourds and letting the children decide what to make! Small gourds can be made into Christmas balls. Mexican make wooden dolls using gourds and they can also be used for creating Pinatas! Cut big holes in the sides and they aren't bird houses, but become bird feeders! Other options? The class will think of them!

The great gourds, they are amazingly useful, and found everywhere. Grow some or grab some, but get lots as they last a long time and are one of the most versatile, safe things a school can use for classroom projects.

Learn more about this author, James Johnson.
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