Susan's studio has two parts. The art begins its life  in a traditional artist's setting, where ideas and inspiration make their way onto paper. Often, many versions cover the walls until a final master drawing is ready for use throughout the rest of the artistic process.

A gourd's shape is always a vital part of the final work. Susan spends considerable time to select the size and shape that will best fulfill her vision.

The second part of her studio is full of carefully selected professional carving and wood burning equipment. A downdraft table helps keep the area free of gourd dust, which is notoriously nasty to the lungs. Here Susan cuts, carves and sands the gourd smooth. Each art piece is unique and most are also wood burned.

Once the carving, inlay, sanding and burning are complete, the gourd returns to the traditional studio setting, where gems
are set and carved items come to life with stain, ink and paint.  Then other embellishments are often lovingly added, such as weaving, beads, horse hair, feathers or fur. Some pieces piece may take 100 hours or more to finish.