Self-taught Kentucky Crafted Artist Paul R. Buhrmester crafts amazing objects from hardshell gourds using Pyrography (wood burning) tools and techniques.  His work—with hand-drawn patterns often inspired by quilt designs—can be found at numerous shops around Kentucky, including the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea. He was added to the Kentucky Crafted program in 2014. 

Paul's personal artistic statement, as of December, 2025: 

"Since starting my wood burning artistic journey in December of 2008, this time of year always comes as a time of reflection. I'm grateful to all of the people I've met, the art  communities I've been honored to become a part of, and the opportunities I've had. This year I became a high school teacher (teaching Marketing and Personal Finance, after years working at a credit union), which changed how I approach time and planning, but I've settled into a pattern that still allows my artistic alter ego to flourish! I'm looking forward to continuing bringing burned, carved, and cut gourd art to the world, in my own little way."