If you intend to make decorative ladles, you can seal them. Shellac is made of natural substance, disolved in alcohol. Or you can just use some oil (linsed) to seal it.
These are good as long as the ladle is not used.

Don't forget to check with Ray at http://gourdgracious.homestead.com/gourds.html - she can put you on to gourd crafters and artists in your area - you will be happy you did!
Gourd wishes from Michigan!

Here is a link that might be useful: GourdGracious Gourds