Member Directory
Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi Members
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About Us
We are makers on a mission to preserve and promote, educate and encourage, the highest standard of excellence in regional crafts.
The work of our Members reflects a high degree of competence, professional standards, and artistry in their medium and category. Eligibility is determined by a jury review process which takes place twice each year.
Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Raleigh, MS
Gourds
Gourds
Guild member since 2005
Mike and Michelle began growing gourds on their farm in 1996 and were fascinated by their sizes, shapes, and characteristics. Making useful and beautiful items from gourds has grown into a wonderful experience for them. They make intricate cuts with a mini jigsaw to produce baskets, open bowls, and bowls with close fitting lids. They use a wood burner and rotary tools to burn and engrave designs. Mike uses hand-held gouges for chip carving and relief carving. They use stains and dyes on the exterior to enhance the natural beauty of the gourd. The transformation from a plain ol’ dirty gourd to a beautifully handcrafted gourd is not an easy one, they say. Part of the transformation is a chore and part is fun, just like life.