3-day Natural Plaster Workshop at Taproot Farm-
Capon Bridge, WV
Beth and Tim Reese are hosting a hands-on clay/ lime plaster workshop July 22-24, 2011
Join us for this 5th in a series of workshops to build “Querencia”, a strawbale/cob artist studio at Taproot Farm. Clay and lime-plastered walls are beautiful- with healthy finishes that dance with the light. Querencia is a whimsical, earth-friendly oasis designed to nurture the inner “creative”.
Taproot Farm is a 20-acre farm overlooking the Cacapon River. The “green” buildings include solar panels, geothermal heating/cooling and a living roof. Currently, at the farm, there are laying chickens, lambs, bees, ½ acre organic vegetable garden, orchard and, soon, a fish pond and pigs. Participants will be invited to enjoy relaxing farm and river activities to celebrate each day of building.
When: Friday July 22- Sunday July 24, 2011 9:00 AM-6:00 PM (with a break for lunch)
Where: Capon Bridge, WV (90 miles west of Washington, D.C)
Cost: $160 for all 3 days (third day of lime plaster limited to 12 people)
OR $95 for 2-day clay plaster only
Includes instruction and hands-on experience with natural building guru Sigi Koko; 3 healthy, locally grown meals each day; camping on site or there is a Marriott hotel 30 minutes from the farm. Discounts for children under 16. A few scholarships available (ask how to apply.)
To Register: Please contact Beth Reese by email at beth.reese218@gmail.com or by phone at 304-856-1336 to confirm that there is still space in the workshop. YOU MUST RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT! Fill out a Workshop Registration form and send it in with your check. Or pay with Pay Pal and get us your registration info by email (beth.reese218@gmail.com). Directions and details will be emailed to those who register prior to the workshop event. See additional details about the workshop below.
DESCRIPTION:
Natural plasters provide non-toxic & beautiful finishes that are durable & breathable, making them especially suitable for finishing strawbale walls. Lime plasters/stuccos work best as exterior finishes or in wet areas, such as bathrooms. Earthen or clay plasters consist of a combination of clay and sand, and often also contains some fiber, such as chopped straw. Clay plasters are beautiful and durable for interior and protected exterior applications. We will apply the 2nd coat of clay plaster during this workshop.
WORKSHOP FORMAT:
We will begin Friday morning with an overview of clay plasters, followed by a demonstration of the skills used to assess ingredients, mix plasters, and apply them to wall surfaces. Everyone will then be invited to get hands-on experience honing plastering skills for the remainder of the weekend. We will spend all day Sunday learning how to make lime plaster and apply it to exterior strawbale walls.
WORKSHOP COVERS:
- Overview of natural plasters (clay & lime) including benefits & challenges
- Demonstration on the art of assessing materials and mixing natural plasters (clay & lime)
- Demonstration of plastering techniques, including sculpting with clay plasters
- Hands-on experience applying natural plasters