Santa Gourd in GREEN! Squeeeeezing down the chimney!

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SANTASQUEEZES DOWN THE CHIMNEY! What this is: I think those reindeer are worried that Santa is going to get stuck one of these times. This little sketch is inspired by an antique 1875 newspaper drawing. The original was engraved, or etched on metal, so the printing could be accomplished. Santa has his full pack, and his old fashioned (but quite the style in its day) pipe. Two reindeer are carefully watching. His sleigh is nearby, so he can make a quick get away. I think that the original was probably not drawn by Thomas Nast, as his Santa's wear fuzzy suits, but the time frame is accurate for Nast, and the scene is certainly reminiscent of "The Night Before Christmas." Santa's face, on the gourd, was also inspired by a antique vignette Santa face. The red base that you see is the top part of another gourd. I have cut a small hole in the base of the large gourd, and cleaned it completely. Next I cut the top off another gourd with a pointed neck. The neck of the second gourd fits up inside the large gourd, and is held by some glue. If you wanted....really sneaky ...you could use this gourd as a hiding place for cash or small valuables, and make a false bottom for the hole, as it's only about an inch or so across. A cotton puff would stick t nicely...just a thought!I painted the gourd Santa's coat a Veridian Green. In the back view picture, you can see all the beautiful mottling that occurs on a gourd as it dries. I like to use the oil washes this way, as it lets the real gourd show through. I also like to only use gourds in the gourd art, not extra clay or "stuff," because I want to maintain the integrity or "gourdi-ness" of the whole piece.At the top of the gourd, t is a rusty jinglebell and a rusty safety pin that holds a cinnimon-vanilla paper banner that says "Believe" On the bottom, this gourd is signed and dated, by me. How I do these: I grow the gourds. These are the white flowered species, langenaria sineceria, the hard shelled gourd. Not to be confused with the fragile yellow flowered variety sold in supermarkets in the fall. As they are growing I go around and stand them on their bottoms, so they can grow up to be birdhouses, and Santas and such. It takes a year for the gourds to grow, and another year for them to dry out completely. This gourd is about three years old. Once the gourds are dry, they are totally permanent, unless you drop them real hard or soak them in water. You can read more about the gourds on my "About ME" page. I first draw the design freehand with a pencil. T is much thought and erasing Then I redraw the design using a hot woodburning tool, sort of like a hot pen. (900 degrees F....ouch!) Then the gourd is stained with oil stains. I use the oil stain because it is translucent, and allows the natural finish of the gourd to come through. The oil color is permanent, and will not fade. l I like to see the blemishes and discolorations on a gourd because it tells me that the gourd has survived the onslaught of many insects and pests. Gourds are the survivors of the garden. I like that!Several times throughout this process, I spray the gourd with a matt sealer. When all is done, I spray again. Details, details: This gourd is fairly large It is a about 20 inches around, and 10 inches tall. " Green Santa" was made in a smoke free home. I do not add a postage surcharge.Check out my other items !Be sure to add me to your favorites list !Thanks for checking out my auctions! Happy Bidding! read more

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