In this two day deep dive into clay plasters at inspiring Orchard Barn in Suffolk, I’ll be teaching (hands on) how to use the dirt in your land to create a beautiful, natural, non-toxic and environmentally sound plaster, and how to apply it to pretty almost any wall. I’ll also show how in a couple of simple steps you can turn your plaster mixture into a building material with serious structural strength. Once the fundamentals of mud mixtures are understood, you’ll be empowered to start your own mud journey.

"The mud workshop was the best experience I've ever had! Atulya was not only a great wealth of knowledge, she was also a wonderful teacher being able to inform us accurately of processes involved with so much fun & laughter!" Vicki, course participant from my workshop in Australia.

This will be a weekend exploration of clay plaster applications, and will be useful for...

• People wanting strategies for sensitively renovating old houses using natural materials.
• People who'd like to learn how to make an exceptional building material/render from the mud in their land.
  
• Creatives and artists wanting to learn the amazing art of clay plaster.
• Folk who'd like to learn how to decorate their home in a non-toxic, eco-friendly and very inexpensive way.
• Anyone interested in natural construction.
• People wanting to connect with like minds and have some fun while learning.

What participants have said about my previous workshops:

“The teacher (Atulya) was amazing and so positive and full of knowledge, she made the workshop run so smoothly.” Annie.

“The atmosphere was great and I couldn't ask for a better group of participants, or a more energetic environment. Loved every minute of it.Can't wait to use my new skills!” Mik.

“Atulya is a brilliant teacher...I returned home with a sparkle in my spirit and a deep appreciation that I was in a position to attend.” Alana

Student learning how to use a Japanese trowel at my workshop in Romania

What will you learn in this workshop?

• Where to find clay on your land, and how to turn it into a usable material.
• How to use your soil in a clay plaster, no matter what type it is.
• How to test various clay plaster mixtures for strength and adhesion.
• The function of each ingredient in a clay plaster mixture, and how to tweak it for your own land/project.
• How to apply the various layers when rendering, and what not to do.
• How to get clay mixtures to stick to different surfaces and materials.
• How to use all a traditional trowel.
• How to use sponges to create a simple rustic finish.
• How to repair and maintain clay plasters.
• When to use clay-based plasters, and when to use lime.
• An introduction on using clay plaster for restoration purposes.

PRICES
The price for the workshop.

• First Off The Blocks (First 3 tickets): £300
• Early Birds: £350
• Standard Ticket: £400

Important! Food and accommodation aren't included.

Want to join both workshops 1 and 2?
I will also be running a second workshop at Orchard Barn in the second week of August, Beautiful Finishing Plasters and Advanced Clay Plaster Techniques, which will take your plastering to the next level. If you want to join both workshops, you get a discount.

PRICE FOR PARTICIPATING IN BOTH WORKSHOPS:
EARLY BIRDS: £495
STANDARD TICKET FOR BOTH WORKSHOPS: £550

Students mixing clay plaster batches in Australia

Accommodation: There are no camping facilities at Orchard Barn. So for those who aren't local, we have some reasonable Bed and Breakfast options nearby in Wattisham. Wattisham is a 40 minute walk, or ten minute cycle ride from Orchard Barn. Have a look at Keepers Cottage and the Quirky 16th Century Cottage, both which come recommended.

Alternatively, if you have wheels, Needham Market is a nice little market town in the vicinity, where you could get an Air B&B or guest house on Booking.com

Food: Bring a packed lunch on the day of the workshop. In the evenings we'll be dining out at some tasty local eateries, and you are most welcome (but not obliged) to join us.

Location: Orchard Barn is set in a pretty part of rural Suffolk near Wattisham, close to the market towns of Needham market and Stowmarket.

THE TUDOR LONGHOUSE

Orchard Barn is a very inspiring natural building centre brimming with all kinds of natural building education. The latest project is the rebuilding of a 1580s longhouse using completely traditional methods of timber framing, wattle and daub roofing, and hand cut roof shingles. We will be plastering part of this amazing structure as part of our workshop.

You can read more about Orchard Barn here: http://orchardbarn.org.uk/oldhouse.html

Above photo: Orchard Barn Tudor Longhouse in the process of resurrection.

A Rare Opportunity!

One of the very special things about this workshop is that you will contribute to the restoration of the wonderful Tudor Longhouse at Orchard Barn. It showcases many natural building techniques, such as LSC insulated wall filling, an earthen floor and a beautiful home-built masonry stove made from ancient clay bricks.

Travel Details
Closest airport: London Stansted or Norwich. 

Other Information
This is a hands on course, so you will get dirty:) More specific details on what to bring will be sent to course participants once they enroll.

Photo above: Students learning to trowel at my workshop in Australia.

PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable.
It's difficult to organise workshops. So sorry, but once you've bought your ticket, you've committed to join the workshop.

CONTACT: 
All questions to Atulya, EMAIL: atulyakbingham@themudhome.com

Your Instructor:
Atulya K Bingham has been building and renovating with both mud and lime since 2011. She runs clay plaster and natural building workshops both online and off. You can read more about her work, and find out plenty of natural building information from her website: www.themudhome.com.

If you have any questions, or need more information, just email Atulya at: atulyakbingham@themudhome.com

Wondering what you can do with clay plaster? WATCH MY VIDEO HERE