Over centuries, in cultures around the world, people have decorated gourds using a range of basketry, weaving, and other fiber techniques to make their vessels beautiful and more functional. In this unique book, two leading experts in gourd crafting bring timeless tradition into the present day through 30 varied projects. Ginger Summit and Jim Widess walk you through each step of coiling, plaiting, twining, stitching, and knotting everything from pine needles to leather to beads. You'll also explore lacing, tapestry, and embroidery effects that are truly lovely. If you're a fiber artist interested in new ways to put your skills to use, this is a great craft to try. The authors' instructions on choosing and preparing gourds will give you a solid introduction to the basics so that you can start embellishing with ease. A wealth of photos-showing how-to steps, finished projects, and the work of contemporary gourd artist-will inspire and guide your own creative process.