| ~~ Fine Gourd Art ~~ Instructional Books & Patterns For Gourd Art |
Closed Coiling Book
Contains 26 pages, 27 color photos, 4 graphs, 8 designs, and 1 pattern
Cost: $18.00 ... includes shipping
Hellen loves doing this process even though it is very, very slow. She does it while
watching movies and takes projects on long trips.
You wrap 4-ply wax linen around a paper rush on top of a gourd. This type of process
gives her American Indian pieces that extra touch. She has won awards with this type
of coiling on them.
There are step-by-step written instructions with photos guiding you through this very
relaxing art form.
The book teaches you all the basics. Information included is a list of required supplies,
sources to get the supplies, patterns, and graph paper for developing your own designs.
A open cross pattern is included that is simple, but it teaches you all the basics.
Comments:
I own every one of Hellen's books and love them all. Her detail step-by-step instructions
that are written in a simple and easy to follow format are so great.
.......... Samatha Parkins, CA
Contains 26 pages, 27 color photos, 4 graphs, 8 designs, and 1 pattern
Cost: $18.00 ... includes shipping
Hellen loves doing this process even though it is very, very slow. She does it while
watching movies and takes projects on long trips.
You wrap 4-ply wax linen around a paper rush on top of a gourd. This type of process
gives her American Indian pieces that extra touch. She has won awards with this type
of coiling on them.
There are step-by-step written instructions with photos guiding you through this very
relaxing art form.
The book teaches you all the basics. Information included is a list of required supplies,
sources to get the supplies, patterns, and graph paper for developing your own designs.
A open cross pattern is included that is simple, but it teaches you all the basics.
Comments:
I own every one of Hellen's books and love them all. Her detail step-by-step instructions
that are written in a simple and easy to follow format are so great.
.......... Samatha Parkins, CA
"BUY NOW" BUTTONS: These are handled through PayPal. Therefore, you will have all the same security and benefits that PayPal
offers. You will also get to see what will be charged to your credit card upon clicking the button. I have also allowed the option of cancelling
your purchase if you change your mind.
PAY BY PERSONAL CHECK, MONEY ORDER, ETC.: Please go to the "Order Form" page ... click here ... and follow the
instructions.
ALTERNATE CREDIT CARD SERVICE (Visa, Master Card, & Discovery): I also have another credit card service which I
use at shows and purchases by phone. I can handle your purchase through a personal phone call. Just send me an e-mail with your phone
number and name of the item from this web site. I will be happy to give you a call. It only takes about a minute to process your order.
MULTIPLE PURCHASES: Since my web site service doesn't offer a "shopping cart" button, all purchases are billed as a single
purchase. Therefore, your credit card will be billed with two shipping fees. I package each gourd in a separate box for shipping in order for it
to be probably protected. Therefore, this charge is appropriate. The handling and insurance fees also will not change.
offers. You will also get to see what will be charged to your credit card upon clicking the button. I have also allowed the option of cancelling
your purchase if you change your mind.
PAY BY PERSONAL CHECK, MONEY ORDER, ETC.: Please go to the "Order Form" page ... click here ... and follow the
instructions.
ALTERNATE CREDIT CARD SERVICE (Visa, Master Card, & Discovery): I also have another credit card service which I
use at shows and purchases by phone. I can handle your purchase through a personal phone call. Just send me an e-mail with your phone
number and name of the item from this web site. I will be happy to give you a call. It only takes about a minute to process your order.
MULTIPLE PURCHASES: Since my web site service doesn't offer a "shopping cart" button, all purchases are billed as a single
purchase. Therefore, your credit card will be billed with two shipping fees. I package each gourd in a separate box for shipping in order for it
to be probably protected. Therefore, this charge is appropriate. The handling and insurance fees also will not change.
| Totally Revamped in 2010 |
| Pattern in Book |
The Art of Painting with Acrylics
Contains 30 pages and 21 photos
Cost: $18.00 ... includes shipping
Hellen has also won numerous awards for her painting and has been
painting for 30+ years.
The book doesn't only teach you the basics but introduces you to
intermediate painting. It also addresses how to paint on wood and gourds.
She discusses her favorite types of paints, mediums, setting up your
palettes, varnishes, general supplies, brushes, care of brushes, and
transferring patterns. She even addresses how to clean the inside of a
gourd.
Hellen teaches you base coating, shading, highlighting, how to give depth
to your art, glazes, washes, and tinting. She has step-by-step photos with
instructions to the side.
A fantastic section within the book will give you the base, shading, and
highlighting colors for Americana paints. It also gives another section
using Jo Sonja's paints as the base and Americana paints for the shading
and highlighting.
She also shares sources so you will be able to mix colors to match just
about anything.
Contains 30 pages and 21 photos
Cost: $18.00 ... includes shipping
Hellen has also won numerous awards for her painting and has been
painting for 30+ years.
The book doesn't only teach you the basics but introduces you to
intermediate painting. It also addresses how to paint on wood and gourds.
She discusses her favorite types of paints, mediums, setting up your
palettes, varnishes, general supplies, brushes, care of brushes, and
transferring patterns. She even addresses how to clean the inside of a
gourd.
Hellen teaches you base coating, shading, highlighting, how to give depth
to your art, glazes, washes, and tinting. She has step-by-step photos with
instructions to the side.
A fantastic section within the book will give you the base, shading, and
highlighting colors for Americana paints. It also gives another section
using Jo Sonja's paints as the base and Americana paints for the shading
and highlighting.
She also shares sources so you will be able to mix colors to match just
about anything.
Comin' Prepared Pattern
Contains 10 pages and 26 photos/drawings
Cost: $8.00 includes shipping
NOTE: The pattern is only for the Santa so you can design the surrounding
area as you wish.
Hellen has also won numerous awards for her Santa paintings.
The pattern lets you know what supplies you will need. A sections tells
you the painting area, brush needed, technique to use, and what color to
use for base coating, shading, highlighting, and washes/glazing.
Hellen teaches you base coating, shading, highlighting, how to give depth
to your art, glazes, fancy fur, washes, tinting, and how to paint a Christmas
tree. Step-by-step photos along with written instructions are included in
the Basic Techniques section for the piece.
A pattern is included that you are allowed to reduce or enlarge for your
piece. Of course, you can easily paint this piece on wood. Another
pattern shows areas to base paint before you shade/highlight the
surrounding areas.
Comments:
"Hellen's pattern was very complete, with a great forward section detailing all the
supplies and basic techniques, not usually found in other patterns. The many photos
made it very easy to follow the design and the details were spelled out in an easy to
understand fashion. I really enjoyed doing this Santa and hope to do many more of
this type in the future.
..... Darlene Propp - California
www.gourdoozie.com
NOTE: Darlene's piece is at the left. She added a personal touch with
snow on the hat and boots. Great Job Darlene!!
Contains 10 pages and 26 photos/drawings
Cost: $8.00 includes shipping
NOTE: The pattern is only for the Santa so you can design the surrounding
area as you wish.
Hellen has also won numerous awards for her Santa paintings.
The pattern lets you know what supplies you will need. A sections tells
you the painting area, brush needed, technique to use, and what color to
use for base coating, shading, highlighting, and washes/glazing.
Hellen teaches you base coating, shading, highlighting, how to give depth
to your art, glazes, fancy fur, washes, tinting, and how to paint a Christmas
tree. Step-by-step photos along with written instructions are included in
the Basic Techniques section for the piece.
A pattern is included that you are allowed to reduce or enlarge for your
piece. Of course, you can easily paint this piece on wood. Another
pattern shows areas to base paint before you shade/highlight the
surrounding areas.
Comments:
"Hellen's pattern was very complete, with a great forward section detailing all the
supplies and basic techniques, not usually found in other patterns. The many photos
made it very easy to follow the design and the details were spelled out in an easy to
understand fashion. I really enjoyed doing this Santa and hope to do many more of
this type in the future.
..... Darlene Propp - California
www.gourdoozie.com
NOTE: Darlene's piece is at the left. She added a personal touch with
snow on the hat and boots. Great Job Darlene!!
| Books |
| Pattern |
| Examples of Hellen's Painting Style |
| Examples of Closed Coiling |
| Most of the designs within this web site are originals of Hellen Martin. Under no circumstances may they be used or reproduced in any form whatsoever without written permission. |
| Galleries of Pieces for Sale: Additional Pages: Carving, Wildlife, Woodburning & Leather Tooling About the Artist Southwest & American Indian Inspired Favorite Links Christmas & Santa Order Form & Order Information Pine Needle Coiling Why Pine Needle Coiling Cost So Much? Instructional Gourd Books and Patterns: Galleries: Pine Needle Coiling Woodburned Leather Tooling Award Winners Closed Coiling Let's Add Texture My Favorite Sold Pieces Acrylic Painting Bronze & Copper Metal Coatings Santa Pattern & Various Patinas Galleries Representing Hellen Martin: Photos and Information about the galleries Class Descriptions and Schedules Pieces located in each gallery Texas Indian Market & Southwest Showcase Home Photos of the Show I Attended in 2009. Contact the Artist: to discuss a special request, questions about an item, ask about teaching a class, &/or comments. You can also call the artist @ 817-907-3320. E-Mail Me .... or use hellenmartin@att.net |
| Southwestern ~ Native American Indian Inspired Wildlife ~ Western ~ Leather Tooling ~ Painting Woodburning ~ Craving ~ Pine Needle Coiling Closed Coiling ~ Santas Instructional Books & Patterns ~ Classes |
| Fine Gourd Art by Hellen Martin |
| Project in Book |
| Examples of Hellen's Western Leather Tooling Style |
Faux Western Leather Tooling on Gourds
Contains 31 pages ~ 42 color photos ~ 6 patterns for practicing &
studying flowers & leaves ~ Photos giving step-by-step instructions
Cost: $20.00 .... includes shipping
NOTE: Will receive a turquoise rivet with each book.
This technique came to Hellen's attention a couple of years ago at a gourd
festival. She loved it but wanted her own style. So, she studied the normal
styles, asked lots of questions from leather toolers, and practiced ... a lot. She
has developed her own style and designs her own pieces. They have become very
popular with customers at Kiva Fine Art Gallery in Santa Fe, NM.
The book will give you steps pertaining to cleaning the gourd, special tips she
learned along the way, supplies used, how to prepare the rim for the holes, tools
to use, sources, and how to care for your burner. The project within the book will
take you step-by-step with photos for burning this technique and adding color to
it. Each photo has different color arrows pointing to each step that is mentioned
within the text.
One section within the book will give you the basics of designing you own piece.
Again, there are photos illustrating and discussing various designs, how to
calculate your flowers placement, and tips she has learned. Also in this section
are six patterns to use for practicing and studying flowers and leaves.
Comments:
Anyone who is lucky enough to get this book is in for a treat of a lifetime! It is just
wonderful, informative, and the instructions are not only easy to follow but all along the
way Hellen has included photos, well illustrated, of each step that show exactly what she is
doing. It is one of the best books you can find and I am certain that you all will have so
much fun learning this technique. I love my copy - as you can tell!
........ Rita Heller, IL
I have received the Woodburned Leather Tooling Book. It is great! At first when flipping
through the pages, I thought it was complicated but when reading it, I found Hellen to be
very talented in explaining in detail in a very easy manner. Also a little humor. (Ask her
about her husband's shorts.) I experimented on a practice piece or gourd, and I think I will
be able to do it after I improve my woodburning. As she said, "practice, practice, practice!"
........ Joyce Laverty, TX
Hellen did a wonderful job of putting so much information into this book. It's has photos
showing every step of the project. She has put a lot of thought into this book. Her section
for designing is great also. I hope she teaches a designing class!
....... Sara Johnson, CA
WOW! Talk about an outstanding book. The photos and directions are more than I
expected.. No one will have a problem doing the project. The designing section really gets
one motivated to design their own pieces. Love the book Hellen!
........ Jackie Brock, NM
While visiting Santa Fe, I purchased one of Hellen's tooling pieces from Kiva Fine Art
Gallery. When I got home I googled her by name and noticed she was actually writing a
book for this technique. I've been checking it for months so I could purchase the book. It
was worth the wait!! Excellent book!! I followed the step by step photos and instructions
and did a good piece the first time. When I started designing my piece, I called Hellen for
information. She was so helpful. Super artist and wonderful person!
........ Eric Wyatt, CO
Excellent book as well as an excellent artist! Hellen's book shows she wants to share her
knowledge with the world!
........ Ronald Rawlings, WY
Contains 31 pages ~ 42 color photos ~ 6 patterns for practicing &
studying flowers & leaves ~ Photos giving step-by-step instructions
Cost: $20.00 .... includes shipping
NOTE: Will receive a turquoise rivet with each book.
This technique came to Hellen's attention a couple of years ago at a gourd
festival. She loved it but wanted her own style. So, she studied the normal
styles, asked lots of questions from leather toolers, and practiced ... a lot. She
has developed her own style and designs her own pieces. They have become very
popular with customers at Kiva Fine Art Gallery in Santa Fe, NM.
The book will give you steps pertaining to cleaning the gourd, special tips she
learned along the way, supplies used, how to prepare the rim for the holes, tools
to use, sources, and how to care for your burner. The project within the book will
take you step-by-step with photos for burning this technique and adding color to
it. Each photo has different color arrows pointing to each step that is mentioned
within the text.
One section within the book will give you the basics of designing you own piece.
Again, there are photos illustrating and discussing various designs, how to
calculate your flowers placement, and tips she has learned. Also in this section
are six patterns to use for practicing and studying flowers and leaves.
Comments:
Anyone who is lucky enough to get this book is in for a treat of a lifetime! It is just
wonderful, informative, and the instructions are not only easy to follow but all along the
way Hellen has included photos, well illustrated, of each step that show exactly what she is
doing. It is one of the best books you can find and I am certain that you all will have so
much fun learning this technique. I love my copy - as you can tell!
........ Rita Heller, IL
I have received the Woodburned Leather Tooling Book. It is great! At first when flipping
through the pages, I thought it was complicated but when reading it, I found Hellen to be
very talented in explaining in detail in a very easy manner. Also a little humor. (Ask her
about her husband's shorts.) I experimented on a practice piece or gourd, and I think I will
be able to do it after I improve my woodburning. As she said, "practice, practice, practice!"
........ Joyce Laverty, TX
Hellen did a wonderful job of putting so much information into this book. It's has photos
showing every step of the project. She has put a lot of thought into this book. Her section
for designing is great also. I hope she teaches a designing class!
....... Sara Johnson, CA
WOW! Talk about an outstanding book. The photos and directions are more than I
expected.. No one will have a problem doing the project. The designing section really gets
one motivated to design their own pieces. Love the book Hellen!
........ Jackie Brock, NM
While visiting Santa Fe, I purchased one of Hellen's tooling pieces from Kiva Fine Art
Gallery. When I got home I googled her by name and noticed she was actually writing a
book for this technique. I've been checking it for months so I could purchase the book. It
was worth the wait!! Excellent book!! I followed the step by step photos and instructions
and did a good piece the first time. When I started designing my piece, I called Hellen for
information. She was so helpful. Super artist and wonderful person!
........ Eric Wyatt, CO
Excellent book as well as an excellent artist! Hellen's book shows she wants to share her
knowledge with the world!
........ Ronald Rawlings, WY
| Project in the Book |
| Examples of Hellen's Pieces with this Texture |
Let's Add Texture
Contains 21 pages ~ 33 color photos ~ 1 project included
Cost: $18.00 ... includes shipping
Hellen discoved this product completely by accident. After playing around with
it, she discovered several ways to add texture with it. It easy and fun.
The book will give you steps pertaining to cleaning the gourd, special tips she
learned along the way, supplies used, tools to use, and sources.
The project within the book will take you step-by-step with photos for putting on
the texture. The another step-by-step with photos how to put on the turquoise
finish.
There is a section about the basics of gourding. They include what she uses to
clean gourds inside and outside, painting the inside, and transferring the pattern.
Comments:
This is a fun project. I plan to do it many times over. I have so many ideas on the way to
paint it. I can't wait to get started doing more. Yea!!
.......... Gale Keys, North Mississippi Gourd Society's President
Contains 21 pages ~ 33 color photos ~ 1 project included
Cost: $18.00 ... includes shipping
Hellen discoved this product completely by accident. After playing around with
it, she discovered several ways to add texture with it. It easy and fun.
The book will give you steps pertaining to cleaning the gourd, special tips she
learned along the way, supplies used, tools to use, and sources.
The project within the book will take you step-by-step with photos for putting on
the texture. The another step-by-step with photos how to put on the turquoise
finish.
There is a section about the basics of gourding. They include what she uses to
clean gourds inside and outside, painting the inside, and transferring the pattern.
Comments:
This is a fun project. I plan to do it many times over. I have so many ideas on the way to
paint it. I can't wait to get started doing more. Yea!!
.......... Gale Keys, North Mississippi Gourd Society's President
| Project in Book |
| Examples of Hellen's using the Metal Coating & Patinas |
Bronze & Copper Metal Coatings & Various Patinas
Contains 25 pages ~ 31 color photos ~ Information about the products ~
Step-by-Step Photos of instructions for the project
Cost: $18.00 ... includes shipping
NOTE: The project within the book shows you how many of the patinas work on
Bronze metal coating and adding the copper metal coating for interest. Then, you
can come up with your own technique utilizing these products. Use a few of the
products or many! It's fun!
This technique is done by utilizing industrial strength metal coating that is
painted on the gourd and various patinas that process with Copper and Bronze.
The products she uses within this book are discussed of how to use them and how
they process.
The book will give you information pertaining to special tips she learned along
the way, supplies used, tools to use, and sources. The project within the book
will take you step-by-step photos for applying these products.
One section within the book will give you the basics for cleaning the gourd inside
and outside, painting the inside, cutting, and transferring the design.
Comments:
I've had so much fun playing with these products. I've done several pieces, and they all are
different. Hellen's instructions were excellent and so easy to follow. I highly recommend this
technique.
...................... Sara Johnson, NM
Great technique! I took Hellen's class and just fell in love with it. Great instructor and
excellent instructional writer.
..................... Carrie Anderson, AZ
Contains 25 pages ~ 31 color photos ~ Information about the products ~
Step-by-Step Photos of instructions for the project
Cost: $18.00 ... includes shipping
NOTE: The project within the book shows you how many of the patinas work on
Bronze metal coating and adding the copper metal coating for interest. Then, you
can come up with your own technique utilizing these products. Use a few of the
products or many! It's fun!
This technique is done by utilizing industrial strength metal coating that is
painted on the gourd and various patinas that process with Copper and Bronze.
The products she uses within this book are discussed of how to use them and how
they process.
The book will give you information pertaining to special tips she learned along
the way, supplies used, tools to use, and sources. The project within the book
will take you step-by-step photos for applying these products.
One section within the book will give you the basics for cleaning the gourd inside
and outside, painting the inside, cutting, and transferring the design.
Comments:
I've had so much fun playing with these products. I've done several pieces, and they all are
different. Hellen's instructions were excellent and so easy to follow. I highly recommend this
technique.
...................... Sara Johnson, NM
Great technique! I took Hellen's class and just fell in love with it. Great instructor and
excellent instructional writer.
..................... Carrie Anderson, AZ
| Special Information: Hellen will be out of town from August 19th thru August 23rd. Books will be mailed after August 23rd. |
| Visit Woodburning page for more examples. |
Pine Needle Coiling Book -- Beginner's to Advance
It's a ALL in one Book New
Contains 58 pages, 38 illustrations, and 51 color photos!!!
Cost: $22.00 - includes shipping
You will have all the information you need to take a raw gourd and end up with
a completed piece and make many, many more different ones!
I did my best to include everything you would need to know about taking a gourd and taking
it to a finish piece. There are color illustrations showing you where to insert the sewing
needle in the interior and where it will exit to the exterior. This will make your stitches
straight on both sides. You will learn:
If you have never coiled a thing or can't figure out how to do the basic
stitches, this book is for you! Learn to do your pieces in more than a Plain
Stitch!!
Comments:
Hellen's book on pine needle coiling is wonderful! I am a visual person and the
illustrations and pictures are so helpful. Thanks, Hellen, for writing this very informative
and help book!
.......... Marianne Barnes, SC, Author of "Weaving on Gourds"
Hellen, you have outdone yourself with this book. The illustrations are great and so
simple to follow. Who needs the words!! I think you have covered everything! If you
missed something, I haven't found it. You're right. This is an ALL in one book!
.......... Sara McDonald, CA
WOW! You hit the nail on the head calling this book an "all in one book." Any beginner
with gourds and coiling will be able to start and feel confident with what they are doing.
For someone who isn't a beginner, this book even give me new information. Your
illustration for "floating coil getting fancy" blew my mind away that you carried enough
to color the coils so I could see where they were going. Thank you for writing this book.
It shows you want to share your knowledge and want other artists to learn this art form.
.......... Martha Wilson, NC
I love this book. I can't put it down, and I am not a reader, but this one is worth getting
my good glasses for. I have learned more in 4 pages than a $45 book I purchased that
skipped half of the steps. Thank you!
.......... Granny, SC
It's a ALL in one Book New
Contains 58 pages, 38 illustrations, and 51 color photos!!!
Cost: $22.00 - includes shipping
You will have all the information you need to take a raw gourd and end up with
a completed piece and make many, many more different ones!
I did my best to include everything you would need to know about taking a gourd and taking
it to a finish piece. There are color illustrations showing you where to insert the sewing
needle in the interior and where it will exit to the exterior. This will make your stitches
straight on both sides. You will learn:
- Cleaning the Gourd
- Putting on a Pattern
- Preparing the Pine Needles
- Supplies for the Gourd and the Pine Needle Coiling
- Designing the Holes for Coiling and Cutting the Rim
- Doing all Stitches straight on Both Sides
- Basics of Coiling
- Three Ways to Cast onto the Gourd
- How to go from the 1st Coil to the 2nd Coil.
- Five most popular stitches with thin and wider threads: Plain, Split, Wheat, and Fern
- One Advanced Stitch with thin thread: Diamond
- Dying Pine Needles and Incorporating them into the Coil
- Floating Coils and How to Get Fancy with Them
- Attaching Antlers, Walnut Slices, and Pine Needle Caps
- Embellishments
- AND MORE
If you have never coiled a thing or can't figure out how to do the basic
stitches, this book is for you! Learn to do your pieces in more than a Plain
Stitch!!
Comments:
Hellen's book on pine needle coiling is wonderful! I am a visual person and the
illustrations and pictures are so helpful. Thanks, Hellen, for writing this very informative
and help book!
.......... Marianne Barnes, SC, Author of "Weaving on Gourds"
Hellen, you have outdone yourself with this book. The illustrations are great and so
simple to follow. Who needs the words!! I think you have covered everything! If you
missed something, I haven't found it. You're right. This is an ALL in one book!
.......... Sara McDonald, CA
WOW! You hit the nail on the head calling this book an "all in one book." Any beginner
with gourds and coiling will be able to start and feel confident with what they are doing.
For someone who isn't a beginner, this book even give me new information. Your
illustration for "floating coil getting fancy" blew my mind away that you carried enough
to color the coils so I could see where they were going. Thank you for writing this book.
It shows you want to share your knowledge and want other artists to learn this art form.
.......... Martha Wilson, NC
I love this book. I can't put it down, and I am not a reader, but this one is worth getting
my good glasses for. I have learned more in 4 pages than a $45 book I purchased that
skipped half of the steps. Thank you!
.......... Granny, SC
| Examples of Hellen's Pine Needle Coiling |
| Click on the following pages to see the Table of Contents |