Crafting with Luffa Sponge Gourds

When your luffa gourds turn brown and are dry to the touch you can pick them from the vine and let them dry for about 1-2 weeks. Cut off the ends of your gourd and shake out the black seeds and save these for next year or for sharing. Soak the gourd in fresh water and gently peel off the outer skin. The inner fibrous skeleton is what you want to use as your “Sponge.” Some people soak their sponges in a mild bleach solution to whiten them but this is not necessary. It is a matter of personal preference.

The most important thing when using and caring for your luffa sponge is to keep it clean and dry. Bacteria can grow in a warm moist environment and you do not want that on a sponge you are using on your skin. Once a week rinse your luffa and clean it by either boiling it in a pot of water on the stovetop, placing it in the top rack of your dishwasher, or in the washing machine with a load of towels. Air dry your luffa thoroughly and it should last several months to a year. When you are done with your sponge you can compost it or place it in the bottom of your flowerpots before planting to help them retain moisture.

Luffa slices for making stamps, pet chew toys, bird feeders, and scrubbing soap bars. 

1. Start with a clean, dry luffa sponge and a serrated kitchen bread knife.
2. On a cutting board slice the luffas with the knife into whatever size slice you need.

Full luffa sponge is used to create crafting material that can be sewn into washcloths, small baskets, ornaments, and pet chew toys

1. Cut down one side of the luffa lengthwise and then cut out the hard fibrous core.
2. The hard fibrous core can be used as a heavy-duty scrubber or place it in the compost bin.
3. Wet the material and flatten it under a heavy breadboard or cookie sheet.
4. When dry you can cut the material with sharp scissors into the size and shape you desire.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 4 cups wild bird seeds
• 1 teaspoon flax seeds
• 1 Tablespoon sunflower seeds
• Dried luffa slices
• Garden twine
• Muffin tins or small molds

Ingredients:

• Luffa slices
• Acrylic paint
• Heavy card stock or paper tags
• Natural seeds, pressed flowers, bits of colored paper
• Paintbrush

Directions:

Dip the slices of luffa in the paint and press them onto the paper tag. You can do this same method with pieces of heavy natural fabric. Let the paint dry completely, then use or continue to decorate with natural seeds or pressed flowers. Seal your tags using clear spray paint or decoupage medium such as mod podge.

If you love flower arranging but are trying to limit the use of floral foam as a way to keep your blooms in place, you may want to try luffa. Luffas work great inside your flower vases to keep all your stems in place, like a natural “floral frog” that won’t scratch up your containers like chicken wire can.

• Trim the sponge to fit inside your vase and arrange your flower stems inside.
• Remove the leaves that will be under the waterline, as this will keep your water and flowers fresher longer.
• When you are done with your floral arrangement, either compost the whole thing or clean and dry your sponge for another use depending on its condition.