Objective:

Learn about the core knowledge of gourd culture, its auspicious symbols, and its important place in culture, art and history. Experience first-hand the various aspects of non-heritage gourd production techniques, such as carving, branding and painting, by making a simple gourd artifact on your own.

Course Schedule:

Morning:

• Visit Jinan Gourd Museum to learn about traditional Chinese gourd culture through the display of various gourds of different varieties, ages and techniques
• Visit the Gourd Carving Cultural and Creative Exhibition Hall, and enjoy the Shandong provincial intangible cultural heritage Zhangqiu gourd carving skills at close range.
• Visit the Friendship Gourd Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicraft Workshop, where students will learn more about the application of gourd in their lives through a wide range of gourd commodities, jewelry and handicraft products.
• Visit the Gourd Farming Plantation to learn about the process of gourd planting and picking. And have fun activities on the theme of gourd.

Noon:  Lunch break, dining in the gourd garden

Afternoon:  Make a simple gourd product by yourself, and experience different gourd making techniques such as carving, branding and color painting from different angles.

Objective:

In a short period of time, students will understand the basics of gourds, learn basic gourd making skills and master simple gourd working methods.

Course Schedule:

Day 1:

Gourd Overview and Variety Identification

• Learn about the history and cultural background of gourds and the characteristics of different varieties.
• A brief introduction to the cultivation methods and basic care of gourds.

Day 2:

Basic gourd processing techniques

• Learn the preliminary cleaning and polishing techniques of gourds and master simple surface treatment.
• Learn basic carving techniques and try simple pattern carving.

Day 3-5:

Gourd branding basics

• Learn the use of tools and basic techniques of gourd branding.
• Learn simple line and pattern design.

Day 6:

Gourd Painting Basics

• A brief introduction to gourd painting techniques and students perform basic color matching and painting.

Day 7:

Completion and Presentation of Works

• Each student completes a simple gourd artwork under the guidance of the teacher.

Objective:

To add to the 7-day foundation of gourd creation techniques, learn more details, and complete a simple individual piece.

Course Schedule:

Day 1:

Gourd Varieties and Basic Growing Techniques

• Learn about the different varieties of gourds and introduce cultivation and management techniques.
• Students visit a cucurbit growing site to learn about the process of growing cucurbits.

Days 2-4:

Gourd processing and basic carving

• Explain the techniques of cleaning, polishing and opening of gourds.
• Learn more complex carving techniques and perform practical exercises to complete simple carving patterns.

Days 5-8:

Introduction to gourd branding and color painting

• Learn the basic theory and techniques of gourd branding and color painting.
• Students do hands-on work to create simple branding and color painting.

Days 9-10:

Making household items

• Learn how to make gourds into simple household items such as gourd cups and vases.
• Complete at least one household item.

Objective:

To build on beginner’s skills and learn in depth the various techniques of gourd making to accomplish creative work.

Course Schedule:

Day 1-2:

Gourd Culture and Variety Study

• In-depth understanding of the cultural background of gourds and the cultivation and use of different varieties.
• Students will participate in the practical operation of gourd cultivation and learn about the various stages of gourd growth.

Days 3-4:

Basic gourd processing and carving

• Learn the techniques of polishing, cutting and carving gourds.
• Learn different carving styles and complex pattern designs.

Days 5-8:

Gourd Branding and Pattern Designs

• Learn advanced techniques of gourd branding and master gradient, shadow and other expressions.
• Complete the branding work with personal style.

Days 9-11:

Gourd Painting and Creative Application

• Learn advanced techniques of gourd painting and understand color theory and matching.
• Students work on their own creative coloring pieces, experimenting with combining different techniques.

Day 12-13:

Gourd life product making

• Learn how to work with gourds into practical and beautiful household items, such as gourd lamps, ornaments and vases.
• Students will apply the techniques they have learned to practical production and creation.

Days 14-15:

Comprehensive Creation

• Students complete a comprehensive piece of artwork (e.g., a combination of carving, branding, and painting) .

Objective:

Through comprehensive and systematic study, students can deeply master all kinds of gourd production techniques, complete diversified gourd works, and finally realize independent creation.

Course Schedule:

Day 1-2:

In-depth study of gourd culture and explanation of varieties

• In-depth explanation of the history, culture, varieties and applications of gourds, and exploration of the symbolism of gourds in various cultures.

Days 3-4:

Cucurbit planting and growth management

• Visit a cucurbit plantation to learn about cucurbit growing techniques and environmental requirements.
• Students plant their own cucurbits and follow the growth process.

Days 5-10:

Basic gourd carving and detail polishing

• Learn different styles of carving techniques and master the use of a variety of carving tools.
• Perform moderately to highly difficult carvings and create more complex patterns.

Days 11-16:

Fine Gourd Branding Techniques

• Learn fine branding techniques such as shadow expression, gradient effects, and detailing.
• Complete a piece of branding work with complex patterns.

Days 17-21:

In-depth gourd color painting

• Explore advanced techniques in gourd painting and learn creative applications of color matching and pattern design.
• Students engage in creative painting to produce a painted piece that matches their personal style.

Days 22-25:

Gourd household items and artwork production

• Learn the comprehensive application of gourd and how to make practical and artistic household items, such as gourd lamps, jewelry and cultural and creative products.

Days 26-30：

Comprehensive creation and free creation time

• Students can create freely and experiment with a combination of techniques according to their own interests and creative directions.