Aprilnewsletter

FREE PATTERN
How about a bowl of apples and
daisies for mom. This can be
painted on any size gourd, a
wooden tray, a metal mailbox, the
possibilities are limitless and I hope
you enjoy it. This is a pretty basic
design that I think everyone can do.
I hope you will enjoy it

SPECIAL OF THE
ISSUE
This month's special will be on the
long leaf pine needles. Buy one
pound at regular price
$18.85 and get the second for $10.
So you can get 2 lbs. of long leaf
natural pine needles for $28.85 which
includes shipping charges.
Click here to see photo of the
needles. Click below to add to your
cart.
NO LONGER ON SPECIAL

NEEDLE NEWS
I am so excited to let everyone know
there's a new booklet out on the
market now about pine needle
stitching and coiling, by my dear
friend Hellen Martin of Grapevine,
TX. I must say she spent a lot of time
working on this booklet and it is
FANTASTIC. It's very helpful for the
very beginner, but I also feel a more
experienced coiler would also enjoy
it. She has some wonderful
inspirational color photo's included. If
you'd like to check it out visit her
website at:
www.paintingsbyhellen.com

PAINTING TIPS
**The easiest way I've found to make blush on a snowman is to use a q-tip and swirl
in dry make-up blush then swirl onto cheeks.

**I've always found when trying to shade a project it's always easier to start with just
a little of the darker color mixed with Decoart Easy Float and work from the outside to
the inside. It's easier to add more shading than take too much away. The Easy Float
will give you a little more time to work with the shading.

         SPRING IS FOR THE BIRDS
Many people are thinking of spring and wanting to make birdhouses from gourds. I thought this
to be a good issue to share what size hole is suitable for what type of bird. Here's a list of some
I found:
Bird Type                         Size of hole needed in the gourd          Size of Gourd
House Wren                                 1"                                          6"
Carolina Wren                              1 1/2"                                      6"
Chickadee                                    1 1/8"                                     8"
Downy Woodpecker                         1 1/4"                                     8"
White Breasted Nuthatch                  1 1/4"                                     8"
Small Owl                                    2 1/4"                                    10"
Bluebird                                      1 1/2"                                      8"
Purple Martin                                2 1/2"                                    10"
If painting your birdhouse try to stay with more calming coloring. I always drill 3 small
drainage holes in the bottom to allow a little circulation and less mildrew. You don't have to clean

the gourd out perfectly, the insides will make a nice addition to the birds nesting.

What's New!
Hand painted gourd and
lighthouse mouse pad.
Perfect for the gourd lovers
from all around the world.

**Also new on the site is dyed
pine needles. They are sold
by 1/4 lb. There are many
colors available and all
average 16-17" in length.
Click here to see & order.
There are also new additions
to the misc. gourd page click
here and the christmas gourd
page has my new snowmen
necklaces. It's never to early
to get ready for the holidays.