Read about me at The Carmi Times

When I first began carving gourds I used an exacto knife to make all cuts. After carving gourds for about a month, I was carving a gourd and the gourd broke which caused me to stab my ring finger on my left hand in the joint. Quick thinking I took my wedding ring off because I knew there would be swelling. But even then I thought I had just cut it. During the the night, my finger throbbed terribly and the next morning it was what they called "spooned". I had severed my tendon.

After surgery and pin in my finger, I continued to carve gourds because I love it so. I now use a power tool which is a bit safer and faster. Anyone interested in purchasing that gourd (I finished while bandaged with pin in my knuckle and bandaged) it is available to purchase for $1,500.