Earth Plasters and Finishes

Learn to make and apply your own earth-based finish materials as we put the finishing touches on an earth and straw bale building! We will make earth plaster from site-harvested clay, as well as finish plaster from pottery clay, mix and apply lime plaster, and pigmented plasters and paints.

We will also mix and install an earthen floor, giving students the opportunity to learn different ways to incorporate earth finishes into their more conventional home.

What to expect:

Our days will be spent engaged in hands-on building and learning with natural materials. Expect a rich week (or weekend) of natural and community building with the group. We’ll work, learn, eat, and relax with each other in a positive, hard-working, fun atmosphere. Conversation on natural building will provide constant background chatter throughout the week. We’ll work on-site every day with a scheduled mid-week rest. Evenings are typically unscheduled so folks have time to enjoy the site, explore quaint nearby towns, or relax around the fire.

We will make time to tour the finished natural buildings on-site, and have a few focused discussions on building subjects such as foundations, passive solar design, wood framing, roofing, permits and codes, and more. Michael may give an interesting slideshow presentation on a rainy night.

The Site:

Our site is Heart Song Sanctuary, a beautiful 45 acre property with beautifully constructed natural buildings. The site features many acres of woods, a cleared meadow, swimming creek and pond. Accommodations for camping include an outdoor shower, compost toilet outhouse, and firepit gathering area.

Meals/Food preferences:

We will serve three meals daily, cooked on-site by staff. The food will be mostly vegetarian with a vegan option. Many of the ingredients will be sourced from local farms. Please indicate any food allergies upon registration.