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Earthen Model-making

Sunday, January 25, 2009.   1 - 5 pm 

Earth is the basic material used in adobe, rammed earth & cob homes.  And earth is the primary ingredient in strawbale wall plasters, earth ovens, earthen floors, benches and sculptures! When simple local ingredients (sand, clay and fiber) are mixed together, a very durable natural material is formed which you can use as a sculpting medium or plaster to "naturalize" your existing dwelling, or use in a future natural structure you will build! 

In this workshop you will have learn how to

• identify and locate the materials needed to make an earthen mix used in natural building
• measure and mix a batch of earthen sculpting material
• shape a model of an imaginary structure you might want to build ~ or a make a sculpture of your choice ~ which you can take home with you. 

We will also tour the earth-plastered Strawbale Studio and you will see the Rocket Stove Heated Bench, the wattle & daub Spiral Chamber, an Earth Oven and a number of earthen applications in the main (conventional) house: earth plasters over dry wall, sculptures, sconces and an earthen bench. 

Come prepared to spend about 30 - 45 minutes touring buildings on the land. Please be prepared to keep warm so we can all enjoy the tour. Boots, hat & gloves. The rest of the time we will be in the main house, a comfortable place to mix and scupt. 

Optional pm potluck & overnight, is available the night before, if you wish to also attend The Art of Thatching Workshop on Saturday, January 24, 2009. See Calendar for details. 

Fee: $25 if registered by 1-16-08.

After that date, the cost is $35.

Contact: Deanne, 248 628 1887. ecoartdb@gmail.com

for questions and to RSVP.

Location: Rural Oxford, MI.

More information on Earthen materials & natural building:

http://strawbale.pbwiki.com/Natural+Building+Strategies

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