Gourds come in all shapes and sizes and make a great base for native masks.
The Cherokee Indians discovered long ago that when gourds are harvested, split in half, cleaned out and allowed to dry, the shells harden to become as hard as wood. The smooth, hardened shells of large gourds make excellent bases for masks that can be decorated with paint, beads and feathers. It is traditional on Cherokee masks to make the feathers stand up on top of the head. You can get the same look when making masks of your own.
Instructions
1. Drill holes in the gourd where you want the feathers to go. Use a drill bit that is closest in size to the stem of the feathers you are using.
2. Place a dab of CA glue on the tip of a feather's shaft and press it into a pre-drilled hole.
3. Squirt a drop of CA glue on the gourd at the base where the feather-shaft emerges. It will dry clear, and a drop is all you need to secure the feathers in place. Repeat with the rest of the feathers.
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