“Thanks for teaching us how to build with Cob. Your workshop was very educational and hands-on. I learned enough at the workshop to feel empowered to get started with my own projects. I especially like how you made us feel like a team and encouraged feedback and questions from each of us. I feel like I had a connection with each of the other participants of the workshop. Thank you for your wisdom, kindness, knowledge and keep up the great work!!”

                                                     Mark Groo, owner of Pure Water of Watsonville

2012 Cob Workshops

In 2012, my goal is to offer at least one workshop a month that will be 2 to 4 days of learning all about cob with lectures and hands-on practice working on a living structure, or a specialized focus on building a cob oven.

So far, I have achieved my goal and this month, May, I am offering 2 workshops: one in Bonny Doon (with a second one at the same site at the end of June) and one in the Big Sur area (see the specific pages for these)

The workshop format is pretty standard. Mornings and after lunch we meet for lecture and question and answer for about 60 to 90 minutes...and then we work and play and talk and learn in the mud. The goal is to do as much as possible over the workshop time, ie, learning how to identify clay, make test bricks, make cob, build walls, prepare and insert windows, sculpt bookshelves and arches, make bas-relief sculptures and plaster. Floor and roof connections sometimes happen depending on the stage of the project.

The hosts provide the bulk of the lunch meal while everyone is asked to bring something to share as well. Cobbers get real hungry so there’s never too much food.

The hosts provide the materials and the site and in return they get an oven or a well-advanced project and lots of future helpers. It’s a win-win. Everyone leaves a more confident cobber with many ideas bubbling in their thoughts.

Cob workshops are alot of fun, a good getaway from the routine technology-based lifestyle, a good workout, social, grounding, meditative and a great creative outlet.

If you are a potential host or an avid learner...email me or call and lets talk!

Also, check out photos from many past workshops to see the smiling happy folks prancing in the mud!