Rhonda's Garden & Gifts

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Thank you for Visiting Rhonda's Garden & Gifts

*I wish to thank everyone who stopped by my studio during the MRVAD Spring Art Drive, May 4 & 5.  I was delighted to meet many new art enthusiasts as well as to renew acquaintances from years past! Thank you again for your time, kind words and support of my Unique Gourd Art and all members of MRVAD.  If you were unable to take advantage of this weekend, call me to set up a private tour.  563-508-1853
 
*I had an incredibly delightful day teaching "Make your own kaleidoscope gourd" at the NW Regional Gourd Festival of the Illinois Gourd Society on April 20, 2013.  I had the pleasure of meeting 4 delightful sisters as well as other wonderful gourd enthusiasts, artists, and business owners who shared in the love and joy of gourds!  I sensed they were each quite happy with their personally created gourd kaleidoscope and I know they will enjoy them for many years to come.  Thank you for the privilege of sharing space at this event and the time shared with others.
 
*June 1 & 2, 2013
I will be attending the 42nd annual Northern Illinois Art Show sponsored by the Kishwaukee Valley Art League.
This event takes place at the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn, at the intersection of Routes 64 and 23 in Sycamore, IL.
Hours are 10-5 on Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday.  SEE YOU THERE!
 
*July 6, 2013
Please join me at Dixon's Petunia Festival at the 32nd Annual "Nuts about Art" show.
John Dixon Park, in the 500 block of Galena Ave, Dixon, IL
Don't miss this exquisite event, 9am - 4pm.
 
*September 21 & 22, 2013
Riverssance 2013
The event takes place at Lindsay Park in the village of East Davenport
Saturday hours are 10-5, Sunday hours are 10-4
Hope to see you there in the fall.
 
And of course, mark your calendars for the 6th annual "Gourd"eous Day in the Country in Orion, IL
September 28, 2013, 9am - 4pm   You won't want to miss the new fun we have planned for you!!!!!
 
 
Also, please note the next Quad City Area Gourd Patch meeting is June 23rd at Whispering Winds Ranch at 3pm.  All sincerely interested gourd fanatics are invited!!!!  You may call Roxie at 309-526-3332 and let her know you are coming

Latest Rhonda Originals

Earth-N-Water 10"tall 8"wide
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Earth tones highlighted with aqua finished in waxed lined wrapped rush and beads.

Missing Pieces 14"wide 10"tall sold
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Deep Victorian style cutouts, multiple shades of deep red, angled opening

Mother Earth $72-sold
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Transtints create the mottling, philodendron & palm finish with feathers

Aztecan 10"wide 8"tall $75
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Wood stain, acrylics, and glass paint provide depth and sheen to the cutouts

Metal-N-Black $65-sold
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The gourd vase stands ~ 14" tall with gold leaf strip between the multi metallic and black lacquer

Porcelaneous $55
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The top is a Tennessee spinner gourd and the blue white and gold mottling is done in acrylics
Fall Collection 10"wide 5"tall sold
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Alcohol dye provides numerous shades of brown with a red base
The Swirl $71-sold
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The textured swirl in pastels is complimented in woodgrain
Time for the garden to rest!

The garden is somewhat ready for winter.
We are leaving the gourds in the field this year, as we are prepared for a large percentage of rot due to the early frost (September24!!)
We had few gourds set before August 1, so most of what is out there did not have enough days to mature!
(One never know's when when is farming, what the outcome will be - I will have a better idea after the first thaw!!!!)

We will leave this section of the garden to rest next season, and plant gourds on another acrea.

6:42 am cst          Comments

THANK YOU for visiting Rhonda's Garden website!


If you would like to be informed when the next class opens, please go to the "contact us" page of this site and send an e-mail stating your class interest and availability.

I will be in touch!
Thank you!

7:50 am cdt          Comments

TRANS-TINT DYEs


TRANS TINT DYE AVAILABLE
I carry trans tint dyes-all colors available in 2 oz bottles. $5.00ea
Trans tint dyes fade less and slower.  They are alcohol based.  These will be available at the Orion gourd festival, September 22th!  I have dyed a spinner with each color so it is easy to pick and choose colors.  I will also have samples of the various things you can do with trans tint dyes.  I have checked with the post office and the trans tint dyes can be shipped, 4 at one time at $5.20. 

5:47 pm cdt          Comments


If you are a fellow artist and are looking for help directing people to your art and studio, go to www.MRVAD.com.  You will find it a great on line opportunity as well as the chance to bring people to your studio during the bi-annual self driving tour!

My studio is open for gourd viewing by appointment for those who are interested in gourd purchases or ordering a commissioned piece! Please call to schedule an appointment: 563-508-1853.
 
It is possible to purchase and ship items from this web-site.
Prices will be listed on the site, sales will be over the phone with immediate shipping available.
Please call with any questions you may have: 563-508-1853

If you are looking for a speaker for your organization, I love to share what I know about growing, cleaning, safety, and the art of the gourd!  I will also give classes, minimum of 3 people per class.  563-508-1853

I give classes in my home.  See the Class page for current schedule and contact information!

2013 SHOW SCHEDULE

March 16, 2013
Muscatine Master Gardeners Art of Gardening
Call 563-288-6161 for more Art of Gardening information

May 4 and 5, 2013
MRVAD 2013 Spring Art Drive
22185 180th Ave, Davenport IA is my home, gallery and studio.  You are welcome to visit it all and view this year's gourd patch site.  It will not be planted, only prepped!  See you then.
6:54 am cdt          Comments

2011.12.04 | 2011.05.01 | 2010.06.06 | 2009.10.04

Link to web log's RSS file

Welcome to Rhonda's Garden & Gifts
You may view the artist's profile on "About Rhonda"

Gourd Basket
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Not Available

I truly enjoy my gourd art.  I call it play, not work.  If you see something you like that may be sold, remember, I can never duplicate an item.  I can work with a similiar sized or shaped gourd, similiar colors and embellishments, but every gourd is truly one-of-a-kind. 
I complete all outside pieces, like the pink flamingo, with a seal coat that will protect it for outside display for one season.  After this amount of time you will want to bring the item in, clean it, and reseal it with a coat of wax or other appropriate sealant.  Please do not leave gourds outside during the winter months in areas where the temperature drops below 40 degrees.  The gourds will eventually crack when exposed to freezing and extreme heat.  Even if you take your pink flamingo gourd to Florida, you will want to reseal it from time to time to keep it from cracking and aging - gourds are truly a gift that will last forever, when cared for properly.

Coiled Neckline
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Sold

Fall Collection
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Sold

Geometry
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Sold

Kaleidoscope Gourds - $40 includes stand
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Each gourd and design is unique - inside & out!

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Gourds have been around forever.  They have been used to carry water, mix food, serve food, musical instruments, worship gods, and their seeds have been saved by tribe leaders for many years.  Gourd history is endless, as endless as the shapes of gourds and the many ways that they enhance our lives and environments.

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