Common Ground 202 - Gourd Artist Alretta Skellenger

[@TM-ry6hc]

Love this. I was sold when she said she listens to the gourds. I get that!

[@debramoss2267]

That got me, too! I get the same creating with stones and crystals.Wish more people listened when Nature speaks, the world would be more peaceful, I think :)

[@leslieebel5302]

Me too..I listen to blank canvas. .

[@semraturna5266]

Tempi Montgomery türkçe anlatım için

[@semraturna5266]

P

[@acorneroftheinternet4179]

aww, her lil yorkie sleeps across her shoulders!! how precious

[@chickie5249]

Alretta, you are indeed an artist! You don't realize it, but you are a clairvoyant artist. You can't "see" the end at the beginning because it has to move through your soul first and it travel through your hands. When you were talking about what you did, I saw you sitting in a lodge working on pre-Columbian art on fabrics, pottery, and horn. One of your designs with the women you have done before in that lifetime. (I am clairvoyant.)I watched your entire video as I wanted to learn more about gourds. I'm not destined to be a gourd artist like you (eczema on fingertips). I plan to make a few of them into birdhouses and plan to attached tiny mosaic elements. I wanted to make a gifts of the few I have. Thank you for giving your time! I spend a lot of time alone in the afternoons and you sure made mine! Chickie

[@CJDe-kx8of]

Could not be more impressed and inspired with your down-to-earth, start-to-finish, show-n-tell, personal insight gourd video with beloved Yorkie. You've taught me more with your video than I have learned, seen and felt through any other medium and by flying be the seat of my britches. Thank you Miss Alretta.

[@handsonwithharrietgreene369]

I love your work. I bought gourd seeds from California back to North Carolina 18 yrs ago. Grew my own gourds. I had watched my grandmother grow them in the '50. They made them into dippers for water from the well. I had no idea what I was going to do. 1st year, I made a still art sculpture for table. Beautiful. Enjoyable. Another time, I painted, opened some and placed birds and nest inside as Christmas ornaments. Right now I'm working on one for my Fall harvest decor. I have just a few left All from a pack of seeds that yielded me 3 seasons of gourds, 18 years ago. Fun. ; )

[@irenemoreaux4446]

What an excellent teacher and artist you are Alretta. Thank you for making this video. I bought a gourd about 15 years ago, not knowing what I was going to do with it. You have inspired me to get it out and create.

[@grittykitty50]

So much of what Alretta said resonated with me: whether or not she is an "artist"; letting the gourd determine what it should be; and putting a piece on the back burner if she was bored with it. I learned so much about tools, etc. from this video and Alretta's work is stunning.

[@colleenmarierouse1377]

Accidently saw this and OMG Alretta you are an amazing artist. I live in Western Colorado and grew a bunch of Gourds about 10 years ago, I had so many I didn't know what to do with them. Now the ideas are going crazy in my brain. Thank you Thank you for your you tube. I learned a lot and LOVED your designs.

[@rigaflr]

The pear piece made me say Oh WoW! Thoroughly enjoyed this clip, fantastic workshop and beautiful craftsmanship and in such a easy step by step tutorial. Loved all the pieces she made.

[@annamarielewis7078]

Each piece is remarkable and gorgeous 💝

[@srg4170]

I really liked her. She would make a great instructor. I recently started growing gourds and am waiting for my first batch to try. Have been drying for a few months and I'm anxious to get started on them.

[@AamirKhan-bx5kl]

She is preety girl 2 😍

[@mystijkissler8183]

Alretta, your personality is down to earth, inviting and simply charming overall. Talented artist, you are for sure.

[@donnareedrakowiecki]

Alretta don't you think people have no idea how much thought goes into each piece? That turning it over and over in your head. That's what makes us artists we are truly artist. I all do all types from watercolor to stained glasswork and put my heart and soul into each creation. I have 2 Yorkies myself but since becoming handicapped with Multiple Sclerosis both my art and my babies have been a struggle.My daughters took over much of their care and they got me a cat that doesn't require so much getting up and down after finding it a struggle to walk, I still do some art everyday I can. Your gourds are very good and you should be very proud to be an ARTIST!

[@doratiscareno5856]

WOW !! Thank you for this video...you are Amazing🐦🍂🍁🌰...

[@michiganbogie]

We grew bushel basket gourds this year. They are huge. I suppose they will need more than a year to dry. That gives me time to figure out what to do with them. You are an inspiration. By the way, we were married on Nevis in April 2000 at the Golden Rock. You have a dream life. Hope to visit if we ever get to return.

[@lornamikkelson5690]

Very lovely artwork. You have definitely found the right path to making YOU happy and all who admire your art. Thank you for showing.

[@buglover5495]

Finally a gourd artist that I cld relate to! Especially liked hearing that she too sometimes takes months listening to a gourd to tell her what it will become. I also was glad that she hadn’t found her style. I’ve done several but they’re all so different. I appreciated her advice on the leather dye & the fading. She covers very well all of the small but important tips! I am glad she mentioned that you should normally wear a mask. I became very ill when I cut into a few very thick gourds. The farm I now buy from is also in California. Even had one gourd that was a full inch thick!

[@thathobbitlife]

I love Her! Beautiful work and lovely style, grace etc.. amazing

[@adagriffis6346]

Just beautiful. This craft is right up my alley.

[@kathysausen6493]

These are absolutely beautiful!!!! I love your 1st one!!! Actually I love them all!! 👏👏💕

[@thekweenofbling3621]

Thank you so very much for making this video I've never seen anything like this before you do beautiful work and I will I love your Workshop keep up the great work we need a woman to represent the beautiful works of art like you do. That Dragon would make a very beautiful and unique lamp with shade. I want it

[@Booboonancy]

How interesting, this lady is a true inspiration. I love how she enjoys not knowing the outcome and that she acknowledges making lots of lemonade. True artist, without the ego. I’m a fan.

[@headinthecloudsart]

I'm just blown away ! It's the first time ever I hear about gord carving exists and it's so beautiful and such beautiful work. Thank you for allowing me to discover this art.

[@sandyfsmith]

Beautiful work! I"m Impressed with the thought and attention to detail that begins in your head before you begin your magic. Each gourd speaks to you! I also love your little pooch. Your baby fits perfectly on the back of your neck.

[@EdiChiArt]

I always felt that quilling (3D Paper Art) was tedious, but this IS the ultimate challenge for patience. Great video.

[@elitesflowers-floristshop.3616]

I’m so impressed with all the skills and technics you have and need to create so beautiful designs. I just bought one gourd to make something beautiful but I feel this is soooo far of my knowledge that probably I’ll leave them natural. 😂😂😂. Thanks for this master class.

[@akb5531]

Wow, wonderful. You are definately an artist! They are amazing & beautiful!

[@carlanice8040]

really enjoyed this video! your so talented,funny and very good at showing the processes to do gourd art. Plus your doggy is adorable!

[@Auriasis]

I love the cut outs! I painted gourds for years after getting laid off and sold them at a farmers market to make ends meet. I enjoyed it a lot.

[@punkybauer1]

I would like some of those gourd stands! They are awesome! Your video is really wonderful.. I am still watching all of your workings.. Thanks for sharing!

[@karie9890]

I saw some just like them on the Welburn Gourd Farm's website...

[@haciendaparaisodelapaz4453]

I like your work! Congratulations! You are indeed and ARTIST!!

[@elsagarcia1]

Love your video! So easy to hear you talking and explaining how and why you do your art.

[@GrandmaSezSo]

That little doggie loves his mama. Alretta seems like someone I would love to befriend. I like her subtle sense of humor and her no-nonsense and honest way of explaining her artwork.

[@elenamaras8879]

Wow. I am in awe of your work skills. Simply beautiful.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Alretta, you are an Artist 👨‍🎤 I would love ❤️ to see the Dragon 🐉 when it's finished. I would love ❤️ some of your seeds, although I don't know 🤷‍♀️ if they would grow in the UK 🇬🇧 thank you so much 😊 I really enjoyed watching you work.

[@badsworthcats]

www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/3344811/Guide-to-growing-gourds.html

[@joyceboswell219]

Mags Nash how to pain cloth with chalk paint

[@-fixmyhairdo-1798]

A teacher that teaches! Instructions perfectly detailed, perseverance pays off! No dramatics, your art is entertaining! ✨🍁🍂🍁🌻👩🏼‍🎨✨🍂🍁🍂✨sweet baby you stopped n loved, I miss mine!✨♥️

[@kathysmirti1772]

So very interesting, Alretta. I enjoy learning something new. I will probably never work on a gourd but I so enjoyed your teaching style and learning about gourds. Thank you.

[@victoriamcintosh5122]

Thank you for making this video... great presentation. I work as a Pyrographist, lots of different woods and leather. oh, Hello from Canada...

[@norayforrest7185]

I am amazed by your work! Very beautiful! You have a wonderful talent! I have enjoyed watching your video!

[@brandishoogy]

Be even more beautiful with lights inside. Creative awesome work

[@vzburns1]

I had the same thought about the lights. The teardrops one would be perfect for that.

[@MissDebra]

That was a beautiful presentation. The gourds were so artistically designed.

[@johnjude2685]

Talented Lady Thanks for showing and such a variety of styles.

[@deborahsperrazza9690]

I very much enjoyed Ms. Alretta's comprehensive video. I've grown some gourds for the first time this season, but hadn't a clue on where to go with them from there. I'm pleased to have come upon her passion, skills, techniques, and ideas. I look forward to drying the gourds out and experimenting, I suppose, a year from now. Further, I was thrilled to meet your Yorkie and have 2 girls myself. I've joined your subscription in anticipation of your expanding creative talents and my recent retirement times to come!

[@aprilwarne9814]

Alretta, thanks so much. I was given a gourd from a friend and didn't know what to do with it. I had no idea they could be so beautiful. However, I live in the UK and the tools for making a decorative gourd are not easy to find, never mind trying to grow any. U do wonderful work xx

[@MrKennysams]

NOW THAT'S AMAZING ! Thank you for sharing your work with us.. Excellent show !

[@nancyfrix6858]

Alretta Skellenger, can't pick a favorite, they are all beautiful!

[@deebates3709]

Wow! You are a master artist, inspirational. Born to teach. Such a joy to watch and listen to you. I loved your very first gourd. Thank you.

[@dianesimpkins426]

Love watching you work on your gourds. I love your workshop too, it is so organized and clean. I do gourds in a small way, I always say I am a crafter, not an artist.

[@barbaraovens8508]

I have just found this page, i see its 11 years old, I hope you are still in business, i find your work beautiful, i grew gourds and designed them years ago. You have inspired me to possibly grow some again next season. I am in Western Australia, in the wheat farming area, they grow quite well here.

[@MrTyneduncan]

Thanks for sharing your video.It was fantastic.I did some work with gourds when I lived in Brazil a few years ago.🙏👌

[@openyoureyes4799]

I am an artist and I think your best style is the real things like the Moose and the Indians, you have a nice style for graphic art. It's sometimes had to leave out but what you leave out makes it a great graphic piece! Beautiful work!

[@skyy8436]

That looks like so much fun!

[@michemckenna9030]

Thank you Alretta for sharing your beautiful craft. Nothing wrong with lemonade. :-) Your baby is quite special as well.

[@chephoenix2551]

😂 I actually laughed out loud when you said, “I sell the seeds on the side. Not really I just made that up.” 😂😂😂

[@Skinny859]

“I made that up” 🤣🤣🤣 you’re hilarious. Thanks for sharing your video with us. You’re very talented.

[@GoodVibesalwaysthrive]

I enjoyed this, you were very straightforward with information. I appreciate it!

[@alethea9778]

Just found you! You’re a very good teacher! I understand what you mean about living with your gourds until a project comes to mind. I’ve done a few for family and friends. I have a lot of family in MN.

[@tonycamargo8991]

Your little dog is amused and relax by your talking. Thanks.

[@slomo1716]

AMAZING!!!! I love the results of your artistry with gourds! I planted and grew gourds last summer and now they are now dried, I used a Dremel to remove the funk and mold, then spray painted in one colour but now need ideas for decorating gourds. I tried stencils with acrylic paints, but they stink. Wood burning is a great idea, perhaps with stencils that would work. God Bless GREAT ARTIST!!!

[@nancylindemann4640]

I love the surprise! Thank you for sharing.

[@stevedavenport8294]

Alretta is an inspiration to others with whatever she does, she's an amazing lady with many creative talents not just with Gourds.

[@janie2shoes537]

What a talented woman !! Great video.

[@laurellewilson8328]

I just love what you are doing as an artist...I have been wanting to do something creative for a long time and especially since retiring from work, and you have inspired me to try my hand at Gourd Artistry ... I have been fascinated by Gourds since I was a little girl and have grown them over the years ... I am going to plant some Gourds and start the process ... thank you for your inspiration, I have subscribed to your Chanel and look forward to seeing more of your beautiful work.

[@franpie2264]

Alretta you are a great, patient, easy talking teacher. Also very clever. I enjoyed listening to you. Love and Light xx

[@nancyblow6728]

Your gourds are delightful and full of fun. I enjoyed this video very much . Thank you.

[@TheSwede001]

You are definitely an artist. I really enjoyed this video. I could hang out with you & actually enjoy it. 😅 Have a great year.

[@flamingomtn]

I totally understand what you're saying about waiting for the gourd to tell you.

[@doratiscareno5856]

Teach...mentor Do not let it become a lost Art....im an Artist too graphic, reproductions, water colors...interior designs...etc...so wonderful to express

[@florawoundedrock]

The star of the video is wrapped around your neck. Love gourds too.

[@marthafeeley24]

Loved your video. I am just beginning to work on gourds, and got some great assistance here. Thank you!

[@karenknicely1788]

I understand what you mean by it telling you what it's supposed to be.and miss Mara is adorable!!! I am a crafter myself, and I always listen to what I am creating.

[@denaredford6701]

They are unusual , but very beautiful . You are a artist with good eye for design .

[@robertawestbrooks1650]

Keep up the great work, so beautiful, and I am so glad I came across your web site. Thanks again.

[@lindalopez5951]

I love your adventure. Beautiful work 😍

[@zoeyclaire3450]

I grow gourds and loved your remarks about their individuality! It's why they fascinate me. Your work is wonderful. I am trying to learn how to decorate them so really appreciated your video!

[@jimmie200]

It is amazing to me how someone can take something so plain and turn it into something so beautiful. Artists amaze me. Thank you for this video.

[@MultiDebsta]

Wow.....How amazing. I was spellbound the whole way through this, you are so talented. You have produced some wonderful designs and yes, you are an ARTIST. I look forward to seeing more of these videos.

[@thomasniksich7053]

Alretta,you are a delight.I have just discovered gourd carving . I live in Indiana up by lake Michigan and just bought 2 large gourds from my local farmer but learned that they'll be dried out hopefully by April. Was hoping to make a bird house for starts. You have shown me a lot in your video. Thanks and the best to you. Marsha

[@sandrafiedeldy4215]

Lovely to watch. I especially enjoy your attitude.

[@kimkemeys5035]

Your work is amazing.

[@annamarielewis7078]

Love this. I am aware of the gourd farm in California, but I’m way too lazy to clean them before using them. I’m not much of an artist, anyway.

[@audreytempleton4415]

Beautiful work.i liked her video.she is a good teacher.

[@shariarnold9649]

What a fun hobby. I like her workshop!

[@tanyabrewer991]

Wonderful and beautiful work. Thank 😊you .

[@bombshelly8274]

Greetings from San Diego, California, Wow. This is the first time that a craft video made me cry. All of your works are beautiful... truly, but your butterfly bowl... Just WOW. When my mother passed away 2 years ago, we released butterflies after her service at the site where her ashes were buried. There were blue ones, and black and white ones, and yellow ones, etc... The one I released was a big, beautiful Monarch. They were her favorite. When I saw your butterfly bowl, I burst into tears. It is such a special piece. Would it happen to be for sale? I have the perfect new place for it on my fireplace mantle if it is looking for a good home. Thank you for sharing your art. It is incredible. Shelly

[@carolbuckner9122]

Thank you so much for the help. They are all beautiful. I grow a few goards and paint them, but you are the Woman! Great job.

[@valoriesteel7411]

Best most informative video i have found on gourds. And yes mam, you are definitely an artist

[@valoriesteel7411]

I could listen to you all day. You are awesome. That dragon is absolutely gorgeous. Yes mam

[@pang-ngiavang1956]

Wow! Amazing artist!

[@lesleygilbert1945]

Great video - wonderful to watch you working and creating such beautiful items. Loved the dog and t-shirt - greetings from East Yorkshire in England :)

[@johnnytoy5487]

That's great 👍 I enjoy wood burning gourds.

[@MomorEliza8688]

I love your Yorkie scarf! It looks so real! 😊❤️

[@MomorEliza8688]

Your gourds are works of art!

[@misodinamosa]

Wow, I love this! Thank you! The dragon is favorite!

[@DreambigGabriela]

Oh, Alretta, your pieces are amazing. Thank you for this awesome video. I'm in awe of your work. You should start selling them. Set up a simple site with Wix. It's free and easy to set up. They do all the footwork. You could earn good money and use it at first to purchase the gourds already cleaned up so you don;t have to waste your precious time with that process.

[@cyndifoore7743]

I love her work. Beautiful gourds, beautiful lady.

[@katiegarrett1441]

Wow! I love your work! My favorite is the butterflies. I love your attitude.

[@jlm17533]

Hi from Canada 🇨🇦 Amazing work !! Thanks for sharing!!

[@sherrydee7880]

What a fascinating thing to do! I might give it a try some day. I have all the tools except that grinder ball. Thanks for sharing this.

[@hyacinthcross6729]

So clear! Thanks

[@1212haro]

Excellent instructional video. Love your style lady... you are a beautiful soul!

[@anastasia122108]

You are so talented and amazing!! I'd love to sit around while you work on your projects. Wonderful! ❤️. Love your fur baby too.