Shirley-Sometimes in the smaller gourds the seeds will not rattle.They stay stuck to the sides of the gourd even after they have been dried.The only thing I could tell you would be to open up one of the gourds and see if it is completely dry inside.If it is then it is safe to varnish or wax.I don't know how many you have but it would be worth destroying one to find out.You could even cut it in such a way that you could use it for something.Maybe cut it in half or cut a large hole in the side and put a little scene in it? Good luck!......Lillie