Shown here, Phoebe Welburn with Welburn's prized Canteen Gourds.

So named for its resemblance to a water canteen, the Welburn Canteen gourd is well known for its extremely thick shell and beautiful, symmetrical shape.

If you do any type of deep carving work on gourds, you’ll love working on the thick-shelled Welburn Canteen gourd! These very symmetrical gourds are prized among gourd artists.

Watch the video for this carved canteen gourd vase by Christy Barajas, click here.

Canteen Gourd with deep carving, by Bill Colligen

Gourd art by Ken Poole

Shown above, Gourd Sizing Board

Please Note: Gourds are sized and priced using a sizing board that has holes cut in it for each diameter (sized in inches straight across). Gourds will be bigger than the size shown on the sizing board because there is a range from one size hole to the next.

For example, a gourd that sits on the 9-inch ring and passes through the 10-inch ring on our sizing board is priced as a 9-inch gourd, even though it could be as big as 9.9 inches. Watch our Gourds 101 video to see an explanation of this.

Most of the "Pre-Boxed Clean Gourds" are sorted by the following sizes:

Small Size: Approx. 5"-6.9" in Diameter*
Medium Size: Approx. 7"-8.9" in Diameter*
Large Size: Approx. 9"-10.9" in Diameter*
Mixed Sizes: Approx. 5"-10.9" in Diameter*

Gourds are sized by their diameter, which is the widest point of the gourd straight across.

Small Canteen Gourds Range in Size from 5” to 6.9” in diameter

Medium Canteen Gourds Range in Size from 7” to 8.9” in diameter

Large Canteen Gourds Range in Size from 9” to 10.9” in diameter

Gourd art by Michell Lemen

Gourd art by James Rondell

Gourd art by Sammie Crawford

Gourd art by Dorothy Pullo

Gourd Art by Marilyn Sunderland 

Gourd Art Christy Barajas

Gourd Art by Jenn Avery

Gourd Art by Sue Welburn

"These are top of the line gourds. If you are looking for thick, strong and well-shaped gourds you are in the right place!" - Misty Orlove

Gourds are a natural product and every gourd is different. Some have natural shell markings and there may be slight imperfections or small blemishes in an inconspicuous area, but they are still fabulous gourds!

As always, Pre-Boxed gourds have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied, simply return the entire box for a full refund!

Gourd art by Kelsey Nelson

Gourd art by Donnie Novak
Thank you, Donnie, for sharing your gourd art with us on Facebook!

Gourd art by Shauna Henriod-Fowler
Thank you, Shauna, for sharing your gourd art with us on Facebook!

"I have placed several gourd orders with you over the last few months. Every single gourd has been of exceptional quality. Each one has been thick, evenly proportioned, and has had a beautiful, smooth surface. Your gourds are by far the best available, and your customer service is outstanding! I would not buy from anyone else. The high quality of your gourds makes them a joy to work with, and each of my customers has been thrilled! Thanks so much!!" -Cathy Whitehead, R.I.

Pictured here: Canteen Gourd art by Kelly Jo Creations.

Here's A Better Way Display Your Gourd Art

Metal Gourd Stands (shown here) and Gourd Ring Stands are a perfect way to display your gourds upright if they don't have a flat bottom!