I moved to ABQ from Seattle after retiring in 2010.  I fell in love with gourd art while I was living in the Pacific Northwest.  Every gourd with its unique shape and coloring lends itself well to embellishment with natural elements. I like to use pine needles, leather, feathers and often will add seed pods found while walking in the foothills.  I also enjoy working with beads and started making beaded hat bands mostly with Southwest designs.