I received this note from Lynda Davidson: I received the most beautiful gourd with a sunflower from Sherry Banks. I love it, you are very talented Sherry. Thank you so much. Lynda
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An excerpt from James Bamba's email: This bird house was done for Mrs. Terie Cota. Done mostly with a soldering iron, then touched up with a wood burning tool I got as a gift. Has a dolphin, outrigger canoe, coconut palm, an "A" frame hut surrounding bird hole, oiled with coconut oil, has a woven snake and bird on the stem. A sun, and many see birds adorn the gourd which were wood burned. ;) Here's what Teri had to say about her birdhouse from James: Wow! Wow! Wow! I just returned from a beautiful camping vacation in Yosemite National Park--and was feeling just a little down about having to return to "regular life." Imagine my excitement and delight when I discovered a large box on my kitchen table from Guam (my neighbor brought my mail in--James didn't actually hand-deliver his exchange...)! The treasures inside just went on and on! First, of course, there was a birdhouse: pyroengraved in James Bamba-style with lovely reminders of Guam (my sons particularly liked the dolphin!). Then there were lots and lots of beautiful seeds, which I will have to fight my youngest son for; as he loves seeds, and growing things. James, you must tell us all which seeds you sent to me. Then, there were shells, and a beautiful shell lei. And a funny ash tray, woven out of a soda can! And a neat woven bracelet and a loofah. Oh--and a curly woven snake (with seed eyes) around the stem of the birdhouse. And two woven birds; a tiny one, and a larger one. Are you all jealous, yet? Thank you--publicly and sincerely and enthusiastically--to you, James for these lovely, lovely gifts!!! Terie Cota in Santa Maria (who still can't believe her good fortune)
Dan Stalker sent me this email regarding his birdhouse: A lovely treat awaited me when I arrived home today - it was a delightful birdcottage from Elaine Endicott. It has a wonderful shingle roof, using gourd seed as the shingles and an innovative coiled wire hanger, and it comes complete with a bird ready to take up residence. An excellent start to my gourd collection. Many thanks to Elaine. Dan
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Betty Hickman sent this note to me about her exchange gift: Hazel, you have outdone yourself! I got my birdhouse exchange today and had to fight my daughter and grandsons to keep him. Everybody, this guy is just the cutest! She used a sharp pointey tool and scraped into the surface of the gourd and then applied a wood stain to bring out the engraving. I believe that it is called -Scrimshaw. Hazel made a bird using a dipper gourd using this tecnique on his back and breast feathers, added some real turkey feathers on his tail, around his legs and feet. The feet, legs and arms are paper mache. He has a handmade bill and eyes. Looks like he's holding his head cocky and looking up at me. Looks like in a squating position. She also sent a lily pad with a frog on it and a guardian rock she made in the shape of a face. I love this guy and will proudly add him to my collection. Thanks Hazel, he was well worth the wait. Betty
Jane Coddington of New York State sent this one and this is what Roxann had to say: I just love it! It will be inside, but I had to take it out in the sun for the first and last time, to get a good picture. This was so much fun. Roxann Zeigler, Wichita, KS
Two pictures of Scott and Amy Martin's creation for me. "It is soooo cool. It's unlike any gourd that I have and I love the shape, I think it is a kettle gourd, it is a natural finish with wonderful mottled patterns all over. Then around the hole is a painted sunflower, the paint looks thick so the petals have a texture to them as do the leaves. I love, love, love it! It's all finished off with a glossy surface and it just gleams." Again, thanks. Cynthia Mayeaux
A thoughtful gesture! Please read!
Boy I was so excited! My birdhouse exchange finally arrived!!!! It is a beautiful gourd that has been
transformed into a really cool bird hut! Thanks so much Amy and Scott! I really appreciate your
stepping in and taking the place of the person that was originally assigned to trade with me. That was
really nice of you and not expected! I have it hanging up inside our home right now and it is in our
entry way so is seen by all who come inside! I can't wait until our new home is finished and I can find
places for all my really neat gourd treasures! Thanks again! Lorrie
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