After the vine dies bring the gourd in to a cool dark place to dry. When you can shake the gourd and hear the seeds rattle it is ready. use a "hole saw" to cut the desired size hole. Clean out the gourd and remove any mold or mildew by lightly sanding the gourd. Paint or urethene the outside only. Carefully drill a hole for a wire or cord hanger in the small end of the gourd. you should refresh the outside coating as needed and you should have many years of use.