What to Do With a Bottle Gourd

Birdhouses

• One of the most popular applications for bottle-shaped gourds is to make birdhouses. The only requirement is to drill a small hole to serve as an entrance for the birds. When drilling the hole, be sure to wear a mask, because the particles inside a gourd are caustic. Thoroughly clean the inside of the gourd with soap and water and allow it to dry. If desired, paint the surface or add wood-burned elements for accents.

Shekeres

• Bottle gourds can be equally functional as they are decorative. A shekere, a percussion instrument, is one of the possibilities. The instrument originates from Africa and is still played the same way today. Rich color is added to a clean, dry bottle gourd. An assortment of beads are stung together and woven onto a net, which is placed over the gourd. Shaking or tapping the gourd creates rhythmic sounds.

Vases

• Removing a portion of a bottle gourd makes it the ideal raw material for a vase. Cut off about 2 inches of the neck with a handsaw. Thoroughly clean the inside and outside. After drying paint the gourd to complement your decor and fill with flowers or branches.

Figurines

• Bottle-shaped gourds also lend themselves nicely to making figurines, such as snowmen. Paint the clean, dry surface with white paint, then add other facial details. Embellish with a small piece of fabric for a scarf and hot glue buttons onto the front. Select bottle gourds in different sizes to create a snowman family.