Common Ground 202 - Gourd Artist Alretta Skellenger

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  • čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
  • Meet Alretta Skellenger of Nevis, a Gourd Artist who shows us the entire the process of gourd making.

Komentáře • 380

  • @TM-ry6hc
    @TM-ry6hc Před 5 lety +42

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

    • @debramoss2267
      @debramoss2267 Před 5 lety

      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
      @leslieebel5302 Před 5 lety +1

      Me too..I listen to blank canvas. .

    • @semraturna5266
      @semraturna5266 Před 5 lety

      Tempi Montgomery türkçe
      anlatım için

    • @semraturna5266
      @semraturna5266 Před 5 lety

      P

  • @grittykitty50
    @grittykitty50 Před 5 lety +5

    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.

  • @irenemoreaux4446
    @irenemoreaux4446 Před 5 lety +9

    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.

  • @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. ; )

  • @adagriffis6346
    @adagriffis6346 Před 5 lety +14

    Just beautiful. This craft is right up my alley.

  • @colleenmarierouse1377
    @colleenmarierouse1377 Před 5 lety +4

    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.

  • @akb5531
    @akb5531 Před 5 lety +10

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

  • @carlanice8040
    @carlanice8040 Před 8 lety +18

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

  • @chickie5249
    @chickie5249 Před 5 lety +9

    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
    @CJDe-kx8of Před 6 lety +84

    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.

  • @rigaflr
    @rigaflr Před 5 lety +14

    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.

  • @thathobbitlife
    @thathobbitlife Před 5 lety +7

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

  • @dianesimpkins426
    @dianesimpkins426 Před 7 lety +6

    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.

  • @MrKennysams
    @MrKennysams Před 5 lety +1

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

  • @doratiscareno5856
    @doratiscareno5856 Před 5 lety +17

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

  • @jimmie200
    @jimmie200 Před 5 lety

    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.

  • @punkybauer1
    @punkybauer1 Před 8 lety +10

    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
      @karie9890 Před 5 lety

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

  • @roseannerainwatersmith12

    OMG! Your work is beautiful! Thank you. ❤️

  • @fairbewerten8374
    @fairbewerten8374 Před 3 lety

    Sooooo wonderful! Love the cute Dog , the artist and the wonderful work !!

  • @katiegarrett1441
    @katiegarrett1441 Před 5 lety

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

  • @kathysausen6493
    @kathysausen6493 Před rokem +1

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

  • @nancylindemann4640
    @nancylindemann4640 Před rokem

    I love the surprise! Thank you for sharing.

  • @elsagarcia1
    @elsagarcia1 Před 5 lety +1

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

  • @anastasia122108
    @anastasia122108 Před 5 lety

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

  • @donnajones4478
    @donnajones4478 Před 5 lety

    Oooooohh I love your style and I just learned so much about working with gourds. Amazing work and you are a great teacher that works from the heart. Ty much!!!!

  • @mildredmartinez8843
    @mildredmartinez8843 Před 5 lety

    Youu are a true artist. Thank you for shaeing. Your workshop is stunning.

  • @carolbuckner9122
    @carolbuckner9122 Před 6 lety

    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.

  • @FromRVtoCrafts
    @FromRVtoCrafts Před 5 lety

    Great work. I used to work on gourds myself. The dog was my favorite part, he’s so adorable.

  • @lornamikkelson5690
    @lornamikkelson5690 Před 5 lety +2

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

  • @zoeyclaire3450
    @zoeyclaire3450 Před 6 lety

    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!

  • @buzzcutter1224
    @buzzcutter1224 Před 9 lety

    I just started crafting gourds and this video helped me more than any of them! Alretta is a beautiful artist! Thank you!

  • @buglover5495
    @buglover5495 Před 2 lety +4

    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!

  • @norayforrest7185
    @norayforrest7185 Před 5 lety +6

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

  • @aprilwarne9814
    @aprilwarne9814 Před 6 lety +3

    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

  • @diychristianeskalebassenku2927

    You're inspiring and doing great work! Thanks for sharing!

  • @annamarielewis7078
    @annamarielewis7078 Před rokem +1

    Each piece is remarkable and gorgeous 💝

  • @headinthecloudsart
    @headinthecloudsart Před rokem +1

    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.

  • @mysticaltheiah8471
    @mysticaltheiah8471 Před 6 lety

    Alretta. I am viewing your amazing talent for the 2nd time, You have taught me so much about the the whole process and how to use the tools and your talent and easy manner with humor is such an inspiration! I am doing gourds and love them, such a large part of my life is spent always learning from artist of all walks in all art. but you are the most amazing. Thank you!

  • @MissDebra
    @MissDebra Před 5 lety +1

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

  • @MultiDebsta
    @MultiDebsta Před 5 lety +1

    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.

  • @deebates3709
    @deebates3709 Před 5 lety +1

    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.

  • @elenamaras8879
    @elenamaras8879 Před 4 lety +1

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

  • @lesleygilbert1945
    @lesleygilbert1945 Před 5 lety

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

  • @1212haro
    @1212haro Před 6 lety

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

  • @skyy8436
    @skyy8436 Před 5 lety +5

    That looks like so much fun!

  • @Jess-xl1wd
    @Jess-xl1wd Před 4 lety

    Wow! Absolutely incredible! Thank you for sharing!

  • @victoriamcintosh5122
    @victoriamcintosh5122 Před 8 lety +6

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

  • @nancyblow6728
    @nancyblow6728 Před 5 lety

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

  • @franpie2264
    @franpie2264 Před 6 lety

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

  • @donnareedrakowiecki
    @donnareedrakowiecki Před 5 lety +2

    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!

  • @mystijkissler8183
    @mystijkissler8183 Před 5 lety +1

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

  • @michiganbogie
    @michiganbogie Před 5 lety +1

    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.

  • @stanleydrive740
    @stanleydrive740 Před rokem

    Oh thank you! I enjoyed this so very much! 🧡🧡🧡

  • @lindalopez5951
    @lindalopez5951 Před 5 lety

    I love your adventure. Beautiful work 😍

  • @marthafeeley24
    @marthafeeley24 Před 2 lety

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

  • @akenatalien7425
    @akenatalien7425 Před rokem

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

  • @robertawestbrooks1650
    @robertawestbrooks1650 Před 3 lety

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

  • @Booboonancy
    @Booboonancy Před 5 lety +2

    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.

  • @dalyte62
    @dalyte62 Před 5 lety

    WOW ! Could not stop watching , such beautiful and interesting art

  • @michemckenna9030
    @michemckenna9030 Před 5 lety

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

  • @nancyfrix6858
    @nancyfrix6858 Před 5 lety

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

  • @-fixmyhairdo-1798
    @-fixmyhairdo-1798 Před 5 lety +2

    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!✨♥️

  • @laurellewilson8328
    @laurellewilson8328 Před 4 lety +1

    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.

  • @srg4170
    @srg4170 Před 8 lety +22

    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.

  • @winfly886
    @winfly886 Před 4 lety

    I love your amazing work. Thank you for sharing!

  • @EdiChiArt
    @EdiChiArt Před 5 lety +2

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

  • @sandyfsmith
    @sandyfsmith Před 5 lety +1

    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.

  • @johnjude2685
    @johnjude2685 Před rokem +1

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

  • @stevedavenport8294
    @stevedavenport8294 Před 10 lety

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

  • @cyndifoore7743
    @cyndifoore7743 Před 5 lety

    I love her work. Beautiful gourds, beautiful lady.

  • @thomasniksich7053
    @thomasniksich7053 Před 8 lety

    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

  • @nancyfrix6858
    @nancyfrix6858 Před 5 lety

    I have saved some gourds for some time now, your's are so pretty. LOVE the teardrop's in lace.

  • @Auriasis
    @Auriasis Před rokem

    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.

  • @kathysmirti1772
    @kathysmirti1772 Před 5 lety +2

    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.

  • @celiagraham5920
    @celiagraham5920 Před 2 lety

    This looks like a fun art to learn. 💜. Thanks so much for sharing!

  • @alethea9778
    @alethea9778 Před 9 měsíci

    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.

  • @sherrydee7880
    @sherrydee7880 Před 5 lety

    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.

  • @MrTyneduncan
    @MrTyneduncan Před 3 lety

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

  • @Skinny859
    @Skinny859 Před 3 měsíci

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

  • @jackieburnett6881
    @jackieburnett6881 Před 2 lety

    Wow! She was amazing and so talented! I know she had to be a great instructor. Loved watching her

  • @YamIa3gypsy
    @YamIa3gypsy Před 2 lety

    Wow!!! Really detailed helpful and absolutely beautiful work. Tips like tools, leather and ink dyes more than I ever thought we could try with our birdhouse gourds,.Mahalo nui loa!!!

  • @kimkemeys5035
    @kimkemeys5035 Před 5 lety +3

    Your work is amazing.

  • @jlm1965
    @jlm1965 Před 4 měsíci

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

  • @thekweenofbling3621
    @thekweenofbling3621 Před 5 lety +5

    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

  • @tonycamargo8991
    @tonycamargo8991 Před 5 lety

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

  • @shannonnakashima4906
    @shannonnakashima4906 Před 5 lety

    Hi from B.C., Canada! Yup, you’re an artist! I really enjoyed this video, TFS.

  • @pookiedj8155
    @pookiedj8155 Před 6 lety

    You’re awesome...we are much alike. Great video, I started by accident in the late nineties. Great show.

  • @lcheever5734
    @lcheever5734 Před 5 lety

    Love your doggie! She is so cute! Your gourd art is beautiful! I tried doing it once. It's harder than it looks! I didn't have enough patience with it. Maybe I will give it another try. I don't know if I have your talent but you make it look so fun! 💜💜💜

  • @karenknicely1788
    @karenknicely1788 Před 5 lety

    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.

  • @sandrafiedeldy4215
    @sandrafiedeldy4215 Před 3 lety

    Lovely to watch. I especially enjoy your attitude.

  • @koki4880
    @koki4880 Před 5 lety

    Hi, im from Guadalajara, México. Thankyou forma your video. I keep watching.

  • @cindywilshire8700
    @cindywilshire8700 Před 7 lety

    Great video. You're a wonderful teacher.

  • @maureencourtney4611
    @maureencourtney4611 Před rokem

    So special! Thank you for sharing

  • @chephoenix2551
    @chephoenix2551 Před 3 lety +2

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

  • @denaredford6701
    @denaredford6701 Před 5 lety

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

  • @GrandmaSezSo
    @GrandmaSezSo Před 3 lety +1

    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.

  • @pixiecrossing
    @pixiecrossing Před 7 lety

    Love your work! Thank you!

  • @rutilopata8294
    @rutilopata8294 Před 4 lety

    Lovely lovely and generous presentation, thank you kindly, great talante, you are a wonderful artist!!

  • @maryjones7851
    @maryjones7851 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for this video. I really enjoyed.

  • @eileens8589
    @eileens8589 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for the excellent video!!!