Decoupage in the Studio...

As we did last summer in the garage (see previous post), members chose papercutting images interesting to themselves or family and used proper papercutting techniques to get delicate images to put into gourd bowls. Each member had a vision in mind: a gift for a sister, a birthday present for a grandson, a romantic dish for Valentine's Day. The process was followed, yet the results were as different as the individual gourd enthusiasts are.  The finished pieces will be uploaded upon completion!

For a sister who lives in Florida and decorates with an aquatic theme, an octopus bowl!  A copyright-free octopus image was printed, penciled with color, and set into a bowl previously painted a two-tone blue. A rim will be next.

Star Wars giftwrap provided the images for a grandson's birthday present - a bowl for Lego bits and pieces. There was discussion about copyright of course, but since the project will not be sold, but will be only for private use, Fair Use Laws covers the use of the images. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

Another member combined an original papercutting (6 hearts cut in a line) with a typographic element (love with an arrow). The combination suited the long, narrow gourd bowl which was cut from the side of a tall gourd. That leaves the other side to work with later -- good use of a gourd!
The smaller gourd bowl in the Love picture has candy heart cutouts dotting the interior. An easily recognized Valentine motif! Who hasn't had their share of candy hearts in their life, right?

Giftwrap with Victorian images was the foundation for a shallow gourd dish: hearts, bouquets of violets, and a center image of clasped hands. What kind of rim would be suitable for this one?