About Me
My Background
Susan (Suzi) Nonn, artisan and author, has worked with gourds for more than twenty years and, through her classes and coaching, encourages others to try gourd crafting.
Suzi teaches gourd workshops at gourd festivals across the United States. She is the instructor/class coordinator for the Gourd Gathering (Waynesville, North Carolina). This event is the largest gathering of gourd artisans and classes on the Eastern Coast.
Suzi is also the author of Cut-out Gourd Techniques, a book written to help gourd artists to improve their skills with the mini-saw. Suzi's second book is Gourd Lights, How to Make 9 Beautiful Lamp and Lantern Projects .
When not teaching, she can be found in her studio/garage enhancing gourds.
My Medium
I create decorative and functional bowls and birdhouses, as well as whimsical seasonal items. Starting with a dried gourd, I cut or carve designs inspired by nature. For color, I use dyes, inks, and encaustic waxes that not only penetrate the gourd surface, but also enhance the fundamental gourd patterns. Many of my gourds are embellished with natural materials.
My Inspiration
I have always enjoyed being outside and many of my pieces are directly influenced by being in the woods.