2005 Alabama Gourd Show Ribbon Competition


DIVISION I: DRIED GOURDS
Must have been grown by the entrant, have a stem, be mature and true to type, cleaned, and have no wax, paint, stain, or decoration.

1. Gourd with largest circumference
2. Smallest hard-shell ornamental gourd in overall size
3. Longest straight dipper; must not exceed 4” gradual curve
4. Most unusual/freak natural growth
5. Hand trained ornamental/hardshell
6. 3 identical ornamentals of the same variety, shape, and size
7. Assortment of 3 hardshells of 3 different varieties

DIVISION II:    CURRENT SEASON GOURDS
Gourds must be clean and firm. Mature gourds that have started to dry or cure may be exhibited but no spoiling (smelly) or diseased gourds will be allowed. Show chairperson reserves the right to disqualify and remove all gourds that do not meet these requirements.

  8.   Gourd with largest circumference.
  9.   Longest overall length straight gourd; must not exceed 4” gradual curve.
10.  Longest overall length crooked gourd; must exceed 4” curve.
11.  3 hard-shell gourds of uniform size, shape and color.
12.  Smallest mature hard-shell gourd.
13.  Smallest mature ornamental gourd.
14.  3 ornamental gourds of uniform size, shape and color.

DIVISION III:    CRAFTED GOURDS
Stems are not mandatory unless specified, but if present, must be cleaned and finished to complement the rest of the gourd. Small amount of other materials allowed unless otherwise specified.

-HOLIDAY GOURDCRAFT-

15.  Santa/Father Christmas constructed from a whole gourd.
16.  1 Christmas ornament of any size, must hang.
17.  Set of 3 Christmas tree ornaments of similar shape, size and design which must hang.
18.  1 snowman constructed of a whole gourd.
19.  1 Halloween item or set of Halloween items.
20.  Set of 3 different size & design Easter eggs made from ornamental egg gourds displayed on natural grassy material or in a gourd basket.
21. Any other holiday item, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, etc.

-PYROGRAPHY (WOODBURNING)-

22.   1 whole gourd, wood burned, clear finish allowed.
23.   1 cut gourd container, dipper, or ladle with finish of choice.

-PAINTED-

24.   1 whole gourd painted only, no additional pieces or materials allowed.
25.   1 open container or cut gourd, painted only, no additional pieces or materials allowed.
26.   1 gourd cut or whole, any type materials may be added. Gourd must dominate.

-CARVED, CUT, CHISELED, GOUGED-

27.   1 whole or open container, carved, gouged, cut or chiseled with finish of choice.

-WEAVING-

28.   Gourd bowl with natural weaving materials such as vines, pine needles, grasses, etc. with other natural decorations allowed.
29.   Gourd basket with natural weaving materials, other natural ornamentation allowed.

-BIRDHOUSES-

30.   Painted birdhouse with no other materials added (except clear coating,  if desired)--must hang.
31.   Birdhouse which must hang; natural materials may be added; may have some paint, dye or stain.
32.   Birdhouse which must sit on table or post (post must be furnished by exhibitor), natural materials may be added.
33.   Gourd birdhouse, decorative use only, using any technique. Natural or man-made materials may be added.

-ANIMALS & CRITTERS-

34.   Land animal(s), reptile(s) or insect(s) constructed from gourd(s) and/or gourd pieces. Small amount of other materials allowed.
35.   Water/sea animal(s) constructed from gourd(s) and/or gourd pieces. Small amount of other materials allowed.
36.   Bird(s) of any size constructed from gourd(s) and/or gourd pieces.Small amount of additional natural materials. allowed such as feathers, clay, seeds, grasses, etc.

-WEARABLE GOURDCRAFT-

37.   Gourd hat with or without chin strap (Hat may be removed from ribbon competition, worn in hat parade, and then replaced.)
38.   Gourd mask, must be wearable with strap, ties, or hand-held with attached stick.
39.  Gourd necklace: 1 whole gourd which may be drilled with a small hole for attaching a necklace chain.
40.   Any single jewelry item or set of same item such as earring set, gourd pin, or hair barrettes made from gourd pieces.

-GENERAL GOURDCRAFT-

41.   Decorated gourd bowl.
42.   Decorated gourd basket.
43.   Decorated dipper gourd.
44.   Gourd musical instrument.
45.   Gourd toy, (i.e. doll, puppet, kaleidoscope, yo-yo, etc.),
         any technique, any finish.
46.   Gourd Music Box
47.   Any functional item constructed primarily from gourd(s) such
        as clock, lamp, purse, etc.
48.   Whole or cut gourd with pen & ink designs.
49.   Gourd vase, pitcher or teapot, using any technique or finish.
50.   Completely covered gourd, i.e. beading, clay, decoupage, etc.
        Stem must show!
51.   Decorative gourd, whole or cut, choice of finish using
 combination of 2 or more techniques, (woodburned, carved,
 painted, etc.).
52.   “Land of the Misfit Gourds”, any gourd that does not fit into
         any other category; free creative designs.

-ETHNIC CULTURE-

53.   Shaker, rattle, or drum in any ethnic motif.
54.   Whole gourd or decorative container with/without cover or stopper, decorated in Native American motif.
55.   Whole gourd or decorative container with/without cover or stopper, decorated with any ethnic motif (other than Native American): Egyptian, Celtic knotwork, Slavic designs,    African tribal patterns, etc. Decorative items may be added such as: glass beads, feathers, leather pieces, etc.

-FLORAL DESIGN-

56.   Design in any gourd container (gourd itself may be decorated or not) using all fresh cut, live plant materials.
57.   Any arrangement in an unpainted, natural color/clear finish gourd container, featuring only natural, dried plant materials and/or contrived flowers.
58.   One or more flowers constructed from gourd pieces with choice of  finish and container for table display.

-THEME RELATED-

59.   Any use of gourds related to show theme:  Having a Ball with Gourds (a sports theme).

DIVISION IV:    YOUTH
60.   Any crafted gourd  (AGES 5 to 10)
61.   Any crafted gourd  (AGES 11 to 15)


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