Hi Kathy
I don't have any gourds myself - have you checked with the Ohio Gourd Society? Do a google search and see what you come up with. If you plan to be at the Indiana Gourd Show (South Bend IN) there will be many vendors there from down south who have amazingly stong and thick-shelled gourds - Tom Keller is one I like to buy from as his gourds are nice, clean and thick - so perfect for chip carving! Last year at the Indiana show there was a woman there who was showing dying gourds with Rit dye ... perhaps someone in here has information on doing that. If you want brighter colors you could check out Mardi Gourds for the Memories Inks - they come in all colors and are color fast - won't fade. Wish I could help you more but that is about it from me ... for now!
Magic in Michigan