Gourds are fascinating fruits—for indeed they are fruits, closely related to melons and squash. They come in a wide variety of bulbous shapes and sizes. You might be familiar with the birdhouse variety, but that’s just one of the many things you can do with a gourd. They can be painted to look like snowmen or decorative vases. People around the world use gourds to create bowls, soup ladles, and even musical instruments. The sky’s the limit as far as all the creative things you can do with gourds.

There’s just one thing: Where can you find them?

Although it’s possible to grow your own gourds, it will take a lot of time and work before they’ll be ready for you to craft with. You’ll also need to be able to store them in a dark, well-ventilated place for a few months to let them completely dry. In the meantime they’ll get moldy, and you’ll have to check on them every few days to throw out any gourds that are shriveling up or getting mushy.

Although growing your own gourds is a good idea if you want a steady supply of them for free, it’s not for everyone. If you’re still interested in growing some gourd plants in your garden, “Gourds in Your Garden” is a good book to consult.

You can also buy gourds online. Amish Gourds is a website that sells dried, scrubbed, and sanded gourds that are all ready for you craft with. They also sell tools, kits, and books that can help you get started. And then of course, you can always find batches of gourds on eBay.