Workshops: Natural Plasters and Finishes
Posted Jan 25, 2010 - 03:43 PM
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Natural Plasters and Finishes, Treborough Woodland Campsite, Somerset
1st-2nd May 2010
Come and tantalise your senses with 2 days of gourmet natural finishes connecting with the earth at a beautiful rural location nestled within the heart of the Exmoor National Park.
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Title : Natural Plasters and Finishes
Date : 1st-2nd May 2010
Location : Treborough Woodland Campsite
Cost : £190/ £140 concession (including food and camping).
Course details
Come and tantalise your senses with 2 days of gourmet natural finishes connecting with the earth at a beautiful rural location nestled within the heart of the Exmoor National Park.
Objectives
The course will aim to explore the advantages of working with a range of rich natural finishes, which will include lime and earthen plasters, and limewash.
You will learn how to mix and apply a range of natural finishes on a cob compost loo. Non toxic, cheap and simply irresistible these methods will inspire creativity and transform the exteriors and interiors of your home.
You will be introduced to the benefits of natural plasters and finishes which you can incorporate into your own lives and enable you to access creativity in practical and environmentally beneficial ways.
Both days will involve theory and practice with short demonstrations but the emphasis will be on hands on learning. You will find space for fun and creativity and expect a workout for the body and mind! Participants should leave feeling confident to mix and apply earthen and lime plasters.
Practical sessions will cover:
- The location and testing of suitable materials.
- Make and apply lime and earthen plasters which will include some sculptural bas relief work. Learn how to adapt your mixes to suit the conditions and elements in the building.
- Make a lime wash using natural pigments to colour
Theory/design sessions will include:
- Learn about why we use natural finishes as opposed to their toxic relatives
- Investigate the historical and cultural use of natural plasters and finishes
- Explore the advantages of using lime plasters, mortars, paints and other natural finishes in a variety of situations.
- Learn about the endless possibilities natural paints and finishes have to offer, how they can be incorporated in natural and conventional buildings.
During the weekend there will be a visual presentation of cob buildings and their finishes from around the world, from the functional to the fantastic. Magical and inspiring buildings to fire your imagination.
Learn how to make and apply your own earthen and lime plasters
About the land at Treborough Woodland Campsite
Located in the heart of 'cob country' this 56 acre site is situated in the stunning landscape of the Exmoor National Park, located 10 miles away from the historic and picturesque town of Minehead. The area is awash with fantastic examples of traditional cob houses to which a visit can be arranged to see them first hand.
Treborough Woods sit at the foot of the Brendon Hills 800ft above sea level; an ancient oak and beech woodland, mentioned Doomsday Book, it is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna with panoramic views of rolling countryside and the Welsh coastline.
The surrounding area
The campsite is ideally situated for exploring this beautiful part of Somerset:
Minehead is situated right on the Exmoor National Park boundary and has a wide choice of excellent walks starting in the town and leading out into the beautiful Exmoor countryside. With its mild weather and wide sandy beach Minehead offers its visitors modern amenities and facilities, whilst conserving the best of the past: - the enourmously popular steam railway, the old town with its many spacious Edwardian era villas (some of which are today's guest houses) and the attractive harbour area and nearby medieval village Dunster with its superb castle.
http://www.stayinminehead.co.uk/
Dunster is an idyllic medieval village set in Exmoor National Park. With a wealth of heritage and history from the National Trust's 11th century Dunster castle to the Old Yarn Market in the middle of the high street.
http://www.dunster-exmoor.co.uk/
Watchet is an ancient harbour town, steeped in history, nestled between Exmoor National Park and the Quantocks in the South West of England. It is centrally located for people who want to Explore Exmoor National Park, the Quantocks or a traditional beach holiday.
http://www.visit-watchet.co.uk/
Blue Anchor West beach is one of the many beaches to visit in the area. Made up of mud, sand and shingle it is a great beach for finding fossils.
http://www.familyholidaysouthwest.co.uk/main/en/att-provider-16451.html
How to get there
Full directions by bicycle, public transport and car will be sent to you when you book. To encourage cycling, public transport and car-sharing, there will be a levy of £5 for every car. This money will be used to plant a tree on the land.
You will learn how to make and apply natural paints and pigments
Accommodation
Accommodation will be camping and for those of you who are less inclined to the camping life and who wish to pay extra, there are a host of local B&Bs, however we do recommend you try stay on site to enjoy the full experience of the workshop and the land.
General Exmoor accommodation
http://www.accommodation-exmoor.co.uk/list.php?accmtown=Luxborough
Little Brendon Hill
http://www.exmoorheaven.co.uk/
Facilities
The water comes direct from the woodland spring. There are flush toilets, and hot showers. For the cooler evenings you can warm up in front of the outdoor fireplace or relax in the outdoor wood fired bath. A marquee kitchen and dining area is available for shelter and a cordwood sacred space for meditation. A tipi classroom will also be used during the workshop. Children are welcome to participate but under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. There are no childcare facilities available on site.
Food
The host of the workshop and her daughter will be providing hearty vegetarian meals with vegan options (please inform us a.s.a.p if you have any special dietary requirements). Some of the food will be cooked in the on-site cob ovens built during a previous workshop.
Schedule
We will expect participants to arrive Friday evening by 6 p.m for a hearty meal at 7p.m and introductions. Your days will start at 9.00 a.m and finish at 5.00 p.m.
What to bring
Pen/pencil and notebook, camera, work clothes or overalls, boots/wellies, warm clothing, waterproofs, torch, money for the pub!
Instructors
Alan Cameron-Duff and Annabel Fawcus apprenticed with Cob Cottage Company, the inspiration for thousands of natural builders around the world. They were so inspired they went on to build many cob structures in the UK, America and New Zealand and set up their own business Earthed here in Britain to enable others to access there own creative potential and inspire people to build using sustainable materials.
Booking
Please book directly through Earthed. Tel: 07917361580 Email: info@earthedworld.co.uk
Please then complete and send us a booking form with deposit to secure a place on the course. We will then confirm your booking, sending you detailed directions and information about what to bring etc.
There are 15 places available so please book as soon as possible.
Click here for a printable booking form
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