Unique Urban Cob Building 101

Intermediate Cob Plastering Workshop

November 15th-16th Saturday and Sunday 9 am - 4 pm

All levels of experiance will find something of value.

Learn to sculpt your own raised garden beds using clay, straw and sand. Cob is a technique for building structures that won't rot, can't burn down and bugs won't eat it. Earth is one of the oldest building materials on the planet and still the most common. This workshop is led by Ray Cirino creative sustainable artist, inventor, builder and permaculture practitioner who has designed hybrid stoves, street furniture and houses. Intermediate students learn the finer art of plastering ( possibly mosaic using broken pottery if there is sufficent interest ) and how to finish and seal our work using linseed oil and other natural protectants.

$60 fee. For more info contact Tina Mata <L.A@earthlink.net>

RAISED BEDS MADE OF RAMMED EARTH:

About cob . It is a technique for building structures using clay, straw and sand. It won't rot, can't burn down and bugs won't eat it. Earth is one of the oldest building materials on the planet and still the most common.

Currently, cob is enjoying a revival of interest where many have led the way in researching and teaching this healthy, easy to learn, environmentally sustainable technology.

Sculpt your own raised veggie beds using your hands and inexpensive non-toxic natural materials. No power tools or previous building experience required. You will find a cool late winter workshop the perfect time to engage sculpting with Cob. We intend to make tremendous organized progress in this practical and condensed 2 day workshop.

Cob workshops are for gaining experience, and we have lots to share. Newbie’s are encouraged to ask questions during work party's progress.

Rammed Earth A technique where we form the cob beds using perforated metal.

Raised beds out of Cob ? ! ? Has this been done before ?

Tried cob beds that incorporate Permaculture philosophy of landscape design, ecological concepts, common sense, and other ways of living more in tune with the resources of the earth.

Our innovative trials have withstood 3 years of weathering and we are now ready to share our findings with you.

Ray Cirino is a natural and patient teacher who inspires us all with his extensive knowledge, skill, experience and esthetic. A creative sustainable artist, inventor, builder and permaculture practitioner who has designed hybrid stoves, street furniture and houses for over a decade. Balancing function and beauty, Ray has something new and innovative for us once again!

What is included?

You Can Learn In Just 2 Days How To:  * Build with Cob, a traditional mixture of earth, water, sand and straw and an additional new secret ingredient. * Reduce labor using innovative mixing techniques* Design using nutrient and water flow concepts*Select building materials and determine the best mixture for a given soil.  * Sculpt a raised bed with built-in seating areas. * Evaluate natural alternatives for your own garden * Reduce your dependency on money and ecologically harmful practices.  * Avoid costly mistakes many novice builders make.  *Share , workshop graduates will be invited to duplicate learnings and share with others..

Transit friendly Location:

Mid-Wilshire with its rich diversity is buzzing with activity, excitement and new developments. Excellent access to public transportation ( 4 blocks from Wilshire/Western Metro Train, 1 block from major bus lines . Near corner of 3rd and Western ).

SIGN ME UP ! $60 Fee includes 2 days of instruction, intensive hands-on learning. (Discounted rate of $40 for early registration & groups paying in advance) .

Tina Mata <L.A@earthlink.net> to hold your place and to receive announcements and updates surrounding this event. Do come and join us expecting to work hard, and to make lasting friendships. For all ages and abilities.