Drying Gourds

I have grown some very large gourds that I want to make into birdhouses. How do I dry them out and prepare them for painting? If you have any suggestions please let me know.

Harvest these and other ornamental gourds when the shell is hard, glossy and brightly colored. Allow the gourds to dry for several days in a warm dry shaded location. Wash off any dirt and dip the gourds in a dilute solution of bleach water. Hang the cleaned gourds in a warm dry location until they are thoroughly dry. Handle them with care as any bruise or scratches can lead to deterioration.