Introduction to Earthen Plastering
Using local materials, students will learn the basics of mixing and applying earthen basecoat plaster. We will discuss the history of using these materials, but focus on modern applications and how these materials can be applied to homes in our region. Primarily, this will be a physical, hands-on practical application of earthen plaster on the interior walls of a local homeowner. Students will walk away with a deeper understanding of the materials and their possible uses.
Meet Your Instructors:
Matt and Andi
Matt and Andi live together with their young daughter on a homestead near Boyne City. They both are deeply inspired by ancient and modern vernacular building practices, and feel grateful to have worked on a number of beautiful building projects over the years.
Andi has deep passion and commitment to local and sustainable materials. She is a former organic farmer (now gardener), a mother, and lover of wild nature. She began earthen plastering in 2019 while an intern at Community Rebuilds in Moab, UT, then has continued learning on projects at her home, friends’ homes, and projects for hire.
Matt has a day-job career in Emergency Medicine, but has accompanied Andi on her natural building journey. A capable assistant, he is most comfortable making and critiquing plaster mixes, digging holes, and re-framing hard repetitive labor as a fun endeavor.
Class Details:
Location: Project Site near Bear Lake, address will be sent to registered students
Date/Time: June 20th – 21st @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm each day
Prerequisites/Skill Level/Age Requirements:
- No prior experience required.
- Ages 18+
Booking Information:
What happens after I book the class? After you book, we will send you a confirmation email that you are IN! A week out from the class, we will send you an email with more details about our meeting locations and some housekeeping items.
Where can I stay if I’m coming from out of town? For this class, students are encouraged to camp onsite.
Policies:
Go for it! If you’re committed to sustainability, are curious about earthen materials, or have a dream building project of your own, this is the class for you!