32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano

COST: $45 – 75 Sliding scale

– whatever you can afford.

Please REGISTER & PAY in advance.

EVENT DESCRIPTION: Learn how to build a simple fully functioning sculpted bread/pizza oven and bench from cob. Cob is a mixture of natural and inexpensive materials: sand, clay, straw, and water.

In this workshop you will learn about materials selection and evaluation, mixing and cobbing techniques, and designing. Cob has been used for millennia. With recent rises in the cost of lumber and increasing interest in natural and environmentally safe building practices, cob is enjoying a rebirth. This ancient technology doesn't contribute to deforestation, pollution or mining nor depend on manufactured materials or power tools. Earth is non-toxic, biodegradable and completely recyclable.

The course will aim to introduce methods of earth/cob building, and will include theory and practice with short demonstrations; however, 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 in their ability to build the cob parts of an oven and to make and apply an earthen plaster.

The workshop will be participatory, and you will get your hands and feet muddy! Please wear clothes that you wouldn't mind getting earthy. Course is as physical as you choose; activity is hands-on, cooperative, and enjoyable.

The event will include:

A brief introduction to the philosophy and history of cob and natural building methods.
The advantages of using earth ovens and building with earth in general.
All essential aspects of building an oven, and ways of sculpting and finishing cob.
Learn about materials, where to locate them and how to test them.
Make different cob mixes for different situations.
Learn how to make and apply an earthen plaster.
Learn about relevant tools for building and baking in your oven.
See how to fire up the oven efficiently, as well as methods of cooking and baking.
Simple roof design for ovens and small structures.
Siting, foundations and drainage for ovens and small structures.

BRING: A hat, sunblock, towel, and perhaps a change of clothes. Also bring your own lunches and beverages. We will provide light snacks and water.

INSTRUCTOR: Michael Leach is an artist and natural builder who will share his love and artistry of earthen sculpture and building. For pictures of Michael's work, check out www.pinemanor.com

LOCATION: South Coast Farms is a 28 acre organic produce farm and market located in southern Orange County. Strawberries are in season!

TO REGISTER please contact Deanna Moore: moodea@wildmail.com or 949-981-8067.

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Jodi Levine
Earthroots Field School
www.earthrootsfieldschool.org