What company do you work for? or do you work for yourself? Work for my self

What is the name of your business? Gourds By Lori

What do you do? Carve gourds making baskets, bowls, vases, ect. using stains, dyes and pyography. I attend craft shows, sell from my home, my website (Gourd art by So IL artist Lori Allen-home gourd art, gourd crafts, decorative gourds), my Etsy shop ( Etsy :: gourdlady06 :: Custom orders welcome! ) and word of mouth.

How did you find your job? Back in October of 2006 I went to my town's fall festival and they had their first Artisan Fest. And I noticed this lady's stand. She had the most beautiful things there. But I didn't know what gourds were. So I kept going back to the stand because I was so intrigued. Finally (I never buy myself anything) decided to buy something. So wouldn't you know the one I liked (that I could afford) was sold. But she said she could make me another one similar to it. So she took my info. A few weeks later she called me and brought the gourd to my work place. And we started talking. I asked her a few questions about where to buy gourds (I didn't even know gourds got hard like that) and a few other questions. She was more than happy to let me know since she was moving to Arizona. So I went and bought a few small gourds to practice with and sold them immediately. Then meaning for this to be just a hobby. I switched jobs and that job didn't work out. So that left me a lot of time. And I liked being a SAHM so I started carving larger more intricate gourds and attending shows. Then I was asked to display some of my pieces in an art gallery in Chicago (which I have sold 6 pieces there, which is very exciting). So things have just kinda taken off.

How many hours do you work? Just depends, mainly on the time of year. The gourds have to be cut outside, so that work is done in warmer weather. Plus I am nonstop during festival season with plans to design more gourds during the winter months, which so far hasn't worked out because of volunteering at the school, subbing at the school, election judge, etc. Plus I work so hard at it during festival time, come January I need a break so I don't get burnt out.

Is your work done at your home? Designing and cutting is, but I sell more at festivals than I do at home. But I will schedule home viewings and have done pretty good. I have plans in the future to maybe come up with a gourd party.

What sort of skills do you have to possess to do this job? The ability to draw somewhat. I can't just draw something though, I have to be able to look at something to draw it. Mastering a Dremel is helpful. I do a lot of intricate work, so patience is a must.

Is there any special tools you need? I used to use an exacto for my cuts until I severed my tendon in my finger while cutting a gourd. Now I use a Dremel. I use special tools, but it is just ones preference. Depending on the design determines what tool I will use. They have gourd balls which attach to a drill which you use to sand the inside of a gourd. This makes it a lot easier. But another tool I use is a steak knife that has been heated and bent into a curve to scrape the inside. I am always looking for different tools that I could use. Just because it is for something else doesn't mean that you can't use it. Also a wood burner is a must. Plus I have some other items you would never guess to use that is my secret

What is your favorite thing about your job? I love the compliments. It is very rewarding when someone buys a piece of your work. I am one to always think I could have done better and I always see all the flaws. Least favorite? Probably the dust. It is very fine and you have to wear a mask because the dust can cause respiratory problems. Plus I hate special orders. Don't get me wrong, I am excited when someone wants one but I am always afraid that they are going to be disappointed.

Do you get any perks or discounts? Just tax breaks
On average, how much money do you make each week? Is it enough to support your household or do you just supplement income? I don't make money on average a week, I may go a month or two and not sell any but during festival time and Chrsitmas is when I really make most of my money. I couldn't support a household but I did double my profits last year. Now if the economy would get better, who knows how well I could do. We don't depend on the money I make. It is just a nice addition.

If you work in your home, how do you balance children and work? Because the dust is dangerous, ds isn't allowed in the garage when I am working but he is just happy that I am outside. I work on the computer various times during the day, networking, updating my site, ect. Usually while he is eating lunch or busy playing. I try to work on drawing my gourds in the evening when the family is sitting around watching TV. Usually after ds goes to sleep. I can't sit still so I would be doing something else anyway, so I might as well try to make money while doing it.

What do you like best about your product or service? I like to look at them and say "I did that". I never thought of myself as talented but it makes me feel good when someone else says it, even though I am not entirely convinced.

How does your business have an edge over the competitors'? Lots of other people paint gourds, but I don't use any paints. Not many people do the same type of work. So it is more unusual.


If someone wants to get started in this business, what would you tell them? Invest in a good face mask. Start small and then build up your supplies. No sense in spending a lot of money on supplies if you aren't going to stick with it.

Do you have any advice for people that want to work from home? Try to keep your costs down and don't get discouraged. Save all your reciepts and try to stay organized. It will be better at tax time if you do.

Do you have a goal for your future or are you working for a change? I would like to make more money, who doesn't, but I am happy with the way things are going now. Maybe getting some of my work into a shop would be nice. I would like to jury with the Illinois Artisans.

In two sentences, do an "ad" for us.
Illinois artist Lori Allen reveals the natural beauty of the gourd making baskets, bowls, vases, etc.
One may purchase or special order her work at www.gourdsbylori.com[/quote]

Here are some pictures of Lori's Work!



Awesome Lori! Thanks so much!

__________________
~Missy~Mommy
Meghan9.Samantha8,Cameron6

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