SUPPLIES:
Brush markers or paint
Gourd piece
Embossing heat tool
Rubber stamp ( not finely detailed )
Embossing pad
Embossing powder

PROCEDURE:
1. Break or cut a piece of gourd to desired shape and size. Sand edges and round off the underside.
2. The base color can be done in 1 of 3 ways.
     A. Base coat with acrylic paint, letting it dry for at least hour. It takes this drying time to keep it from blistering.
     B. Using markers, you can brush background in. No drying time for this.
     C. Leave the background natural.
3. At this point you can paint a design on the jewelry piece, if you like.
4. With a clear embossing pad, cover the entire jewelry piece. Then, immediately put into clear embossing powder. You have
to use the embossing pad so your powder so your powder has something to adhere to. Tap excess powder back into a bowl.
Taking your heating tool ( hair dryer will not work ) begin melting the powder. You can let it melt down to be smooth or stop at the bumpy stage. I like the bumpy stage. But if I have painted something delicate like a rose, I melt it down smooth.  ( Keep embossing powder in a bowl so you can dip your piece into it and tap the excess off )
5. Repeat step four - 4 to 5 times - or until it has the desired thickness you like. You have to let it cool between embossing steps.
6. The last time you emboss, have a rubber stamp handy and when the top layer is melted and hot, place the stamp into the hot embossing powder. Press firmly and let the stamp remain in the melted powder until slightly cool. ( Approx. 1 minute) Gently lift stamp off.
7. Using any kind of metallic rub and buff or Treasure Gold by Plaid, smooth over design with your finger. Do so very sparingly.
8. You can leave it at this dull stage or you can take take the heating tool and lightly go over it so it will become bright.