A couple of things I found that make the job easier are (in no particular order):

Use chalk to draw on the pant line.  Rest your elbow on the table and rotate the gourd to get a straight line.

When painting a Santa gourd red it is much easier to first paint it with a gold color like Antique Gold or Yellow Ochre before the red.  It will take far fewer coats and will hide the discoloration's of the gourd.

Footing a gourd helps make a professional finish.  For detailed instructions please see my books.  I use Durham's water putty.  Mix it fairly thickly & form the feet.  Place the gourd in it & leave till dry. Then pop out the gourd & sand.  Glue back to the base of the gourd & paint.

I always basecoat the gourd & then shade the outline of the arms first.  It helps you to get the other features in the proper spot!  Then I usually basecoat the face area & make my little guy come alive.  After that they develop on their own.  A lot of the times I don't know how they'll end up. It's fun painting & designing as you go!

I find it really helps if you add a twinkle to the eyes.  It makes the Santas look so mischievous.

I float shading under the hairline when I've laid down the Charcoal Grey. Then I add the Slate Grey & the Snow White.

Well they're many more that will probably come to mind after I've sent this but I thought I'd pass on a few.  My books should be in the stores this week or next as they've been shipped out to distributors.  I also have new packets to be added to my entourage he he at Packet Warehouse.  I'm designing a line that I have to admit you guys inspired me to do by reading your patch mail. Hope you find this helpful.  Have a great day!