2-day Clay Plaster- Finish Coat Workshop at Taproot Farm – Capon Bridge, WV
Beth and Tim Reese are hosting a hands-on plaster workshop on September 17-18, 2011
Join us for this 6th in a series of workshops to build “Querencia”, a strawbale/cob artist studio at Taproot Farm. Querencia is a whimsical, earth-friendly oasis designed to nurture the inner “creative”. Clay-plastered walls are breathable, passive solar collectors and a delight to the eye.
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, pigs, ½ acre organic vegetable garden, orchard and, soon, a fish pond. Participants will be invited to enjoy relaxing farm and river activities to celebrate each day of building.
When: Saturday Sept. 17- Sunday Sept. 18 9:00 AM-6:00 PM (with a break for lunch)
Where: Capon Bridge, WV (90 miles west of Washington, D.C)
Cost: $95 for the weekend (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 prior to the workshop to those who register. See more details about the workshop below.
DESCRIPTION:
Clay Plaster combines clayey soil with sand (and optional chopped straw) to create a non-toxic, inexpensive, and beautiful finish that is durable yet breathable. We will be applying the finish coat of plaster during this workshop and learn techniques for obtaining fine textures.
WORKSHOP FORMAT:
We will begin Saturday morning with an overview of earthen 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.
WORKSHOP COVERS:
- Overview of natural clay plasters including benefits & challenges
- Demonstration on the art of assessing materials and mixing clay plasters
- Demonstration and hands-on experience plastering