Ted Tisdale, who lives out in Clear Creek Ranches, west of Blanco, proudly displays the three ribbons and the three gourds that won them at the Texas Gourd Society Gourd Festival held at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds in Fredericksburg, October 16-18.

The large gourd in the center was done in the dot painting style of the Australian aborigine. It won a second prize.

The gourd on the right was inspired by Navajo pottery. It also won a second prize.

The small gourd’s design is from the Maori natives of New Zealand. Their tribal tattoos, called Ta Moko, are popular with tattoo fans. This one took a first prize in its division.

Ted and The Joyful Noise Coffee House are planning a show and sale of some of his gourdcraft during Market Days in November. Watch for more information here in the paper.