[Cob] Natural Building Activities at the Strawbale Studio

[ECOARTDB at aol.com]

Hi there, Sustainability Folks!
Below is a listing of Natural Building events at the Strawbale Studio, an  
enchanting thatched-roof structure on rural land 1 hr north of Detroit.   
Perhaps you, or someone/group you know may be interested in attending (or  setting 
up) an activity or participating in a Work Trade or Internship.  Financial 
donations are also being sought to support these  endeavors. 
 
*  Let me know if additional steps are necessary in order to post  this 
Activity Schedule. 
 
Events and Contact information is below.
 
Sincerely, 
Deanne Bednar
 
 
NATURAL BUILDING ACTIVITES at the Strawbale Studio ~  
Winter/Spring  2005 
Saturday, February 26,   9:30 am –  5 pm 
Introduction to  Thatching 
Tour the thatched-roof Strawbale Studio, observe a thatching  demonstration 
and do hands-on reed collecting!  $45/$35 (early bird) or 2 for $60.  (Work 
Trade available on Sunday,  February 27. Ask for details) 
Sunday, March 6,   2 -5  pm   
Introduction to Natural Building  
Tour the Strawbale Studio, with a general focus, and then  explore a variety 
of natural building resources, and view a Natural Building  Video.   
$25/$20 (early bird) or 2 for $30 prepaid. 
Wednesday, March 9,  6 - 9 pm 
Three Little Pigs Tour  & Video 
Take a tour of the Strawbale Studio, an enchanting  thatched-roof sculptural 
structure and view an excellent Strawbale construction  video. Vegetarian meal 
included.  $25/$20 (early bird or 2 for $30 prepaid.   
Saturday, March 12, 9:30  to 5 pm 
Introduction to  Thatching 
Includes a tour of the Strawbale Studio, a thatched-roof natural  building, 
as well as a thatching demo and hands-on reed collecting. $45/$35  (early bird) 
or 2 for $60 prepaid.  (Work Trade available on Sunday, March 13. Ask for 
details) 
Saturday, March  19, 2005  1-6 pm 
Introduction to Natural  Paints & Finishes 
Learn about milk paint, egg paint, beer glaze, lime plaster, oil  finishes. 
Experiment and take home your sample board. $35/$30 (early bird) or 2  for $50 
prepaid. (Work Trade, Sunday March 20th.)  
Wednesday, March 23, 6-9  pm 
Three Little Pigs Tour  & Supper 
Take a tour of the Strawbale Studio, an enchanting  thatched-roof sculptural 
structure and view an excellent Strawbale construction  video. Vegetarian 
meal.  $25/$20  (early bird or 2 for $30 prepaid.   
Friday, March 25 through Friday, April 1 
Introduction to Natural Building Week 
Experience a variety of natural building activities.  Come for a day up to a 
week.  Call for more detailed info!   
Wednesday, March 30, 6 – 9 pm  
Three Little Pigs Tour  & Video 
Take a tour of the Strawbale Studio, an enchanting  thatched-roof sculptural 
structure and view an excellent Strawbale construction  video. Vegetarian 
meal.  $25/$20  (early bird or 2 for $30 prepaid.   
Saturday, April 9,  10 am – 2  pm   
Earthen Model-making &  Sculpting 
Create a model building or art of your choice.  Includes a tour of the 
Strawbale Studio,  a vegetarian lunch and information on earthen mixes.  Pay fee or 
do a Work Trade.  $35/$30 (early bird) or 2 for $50  prepaid. (Work Trade, 
Saturday, April 9,  2 – 6 or Sunday, April 10th as agreed  upon) 
Sunday, April 10,  10 am to 4 pm 
Hands-on Natural Building – Work Trade 
Learn some techniques and help on the Strawbale Studio Project.  Primarily 
earthen plasters: mixing and  application.  Just come and  help.  Pre-register 
necessary.  
Ongoing Workshops, Work Trade & Internship  opportunities  
Some Internships  and Work Trades are available to learn hands-on skills.   
Spring 2005 
In preparation for being photographed for the New Strawbale Home Book,  the 
Strawbale Studio will be completed by June 20. Focus will be on 
* Finish  interior plasters and sealers 
* Finished  earthen Floor 
Summer & Fall 2005 and  beyond 
Upcoming plans include a  
    *   “Start-to-Finish” Hobbit House ~~ Kid’s  Cottage  
    *   Earthen Paints and Plasters Workshop  
    *   Sculpting Interior Space on existing  homes  
    *   Foraging for Food and Fibers.  Includes a meal, and cording/weaving  
project.  
    *   Felting & Fermentation.  Learn some basics of felting wool, and  an 
introduction to food fermentation which increases nutrition and  enzymes.  
    *   Tree house workshop
Contact Deanne if interested in taking part in, helping  to plan, or 
financially support these workshops and internships.    
248 628 1887, _ecoartdb at aol.com_ 
(http://us.f807.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=ecoartdb@aol.com)  for  updated information) 
Calendar: _www.uheac.org/links.html_ (http://www.uheac.org/links.html)    
State of Michigan Case  Study:  
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/CIS_EO_Inside_case13_41027_7.htm