Workshops 2008
Emerald Earth, Mendocino County, Northern California

March 22: Cordage and Netmaking 10am-4pm
Instructor: Tamara Wilder

The knowledge of how to make string is one of he most basic and important of human life skills. Cordage (string & rope) has been used by humans for ages as a tool in fishing and hunting, for carrying burdens, constructing shelters, in textiles, for tying bundles of possessions together, and so on. Plants that yield good fiber will be identified and discussed while participants learn and practice fiber extraction and processing methods. Techniques of plying the fibers into cord will then be explored. We will also cover knotted netting using supplied netting shuttles & measures.

This course will also include a brief handdrill friction firemaking practice following lunch. We will cover the basics of starting a fire with natural tools and each person will get the opportunity to create coals. A tour of Emerald Earth will be offered before the course at 9am and an organic lunch will be served.
COST: $75 includes materials and lunch

June: Carpentry
Two week-long courses can be taken individually or in series to teach
the fundamentals of construction.

Part 1: Basic Framing - June 9 - 10
Instructors: Liz Schroeder, Tom Shaver, Michael G. Smith
Cost: $300 (Cost for parts 1 and 2: $500) includes camping and meals

In this hands-on workshop you will learn carpentry skills applicable to any building project. Develop your skills with a tape measure, square, level, hand saw, circular saw, hammer and drill while framing a small building. In 5 days, the class will complete a deck, stud-frame walls, and roof trusses. We will also discuss design considerations including layout and basic engineering, as well as touring and discussing several ecological alternatives to conventional construction. Participants should bring a basic carpentry tool kit: more details upon registration. This course (or similar experience) is a pre-requisite for Carpentry Part 2.

Part 2: Round Pole Joinery - June 12 - 14
Instructors: Darryl Berlin, Michael G. Smith
Cost: $300 (Cost for parts 1 and 2: $500) includes camping and meals

Learning to frame with round timbers opens up new worlds of possibility for ecological builders. Small diameter poles are a readily-available and inexpensive (or free) resource in many forested regions; using them reduces the need to cut down big trees. In this workshop you will learn a framing system developed at Emerald Earth which combines the use of round poles with traditional timber framing joinery. Learn to select and sensitively harvest poles from the forest, to lay out and cut mortise-and-tenon joints, while assembling and erecting a simple timber frame. This workshop focuses on developing skills with the framing chisel and Japanese pull-saw. You will need to bring them with you, along with your basic tool kit. We'll also teach you how to keep your chisels sharp! Our Carpenty Part 1 workshop or similar experience is required.

August 18-23: Natural Building Intensive
Instructors: Michael G. Smith

Learn how to build your own beautiful, inexpensive, and energy-efficient home with non-toxic local materials such as clay, straw, and unmilled wood. This comprehensive natural building workshop covers site analysis, passive solar principles, and energy efficient hybrid design. You will get hands-on experience in up to 10 different techniques, which may include straw bale, cob, straw-clay, and wattle-and-daub; round pole framing; alternative foundations; earth and lime plasters; home-made paints; and adobe floors.

Each day will include a mix of hands-on work on actual buildings under construction, discussions, and tours of the most complete natural building site on the West Coast. Evening activities include videos, slide shows, music, and a sauna. Expect a memorable experience in a peaceful but stimulating environment, surrounded by an intimate and supportive group of new friends.

COST and REGISTRATION: $550 includes on-site camping, delicious vegetarian meals. There is a 10% discount for Mendocino County residents, or for full payment 30 days in advance. Class size is limited, so register early. To save a place, send a $100 deposit payable to Emerald Earth Workshops, P.O. Box 764, Boonville, CA 95415. Deposit is refundable if you cancel with more than 7 days notice.

September 6 - 7th: Introduction to Permaculture
Instructors: Brach Dolman and Liz Schroeder
Cost: $175, includes camping and meals

In this two-day class, come and be inspired by our established permaculture site with evolving food forests and gardens. We will offer instruction from well seasoned teachers and hands-on experience in plant propagation and establishing your own food forest. More details on course topics and instructors coming soon.

September 27th: Build Your Own Earth Oven
Instructor: Michael G. Smith
Cost: $75, includes lunch

Learn to build an earth oven in your backyard for less than $100 using simple, healthy materials including clay, sand, straw and bricks. Wood-fired, retained-heat ovens have been used throughout the ages and around the world, and are still prized by artisan bakers today for making the finest bread and pizza. This hands (and feet!)-on workshop is a great introduction to sculptural earthen building for adults and kids alike. During breaks in the construction of the oven, we'll discuss how to find and test clay as a building material and how to heat and bake in the oven efficiently.

November 1st: Acorns for Food
Instructor: Donna D'Terra
Cost: $75 includes lunch

In this workshop we will look at the important role that acorns played in the lives of California's indigenous peoples, and how we can include this nutritious, delicious food as a staple in our diets, using a simple, user-friendly processing method. The workshop will include hands-on processing of acorns, acorn food samples, and more.

FOR A LISTING OF MORE COB (AND COB RELATED) WORKSHOPS BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.COBWORKSHOPS.ORG.

Natural Building Network
Cob Cottage Company
CobWorks
Kleiweks
Canelo Project
www.housealive.org
Groundworks
Earthwood
Fox Maple