In this two-day clay plaster masterclass, we’ll be sinking deep into the art of fine mud finishes. We’ll learn some of the more advanced clay plastering techniques like burnishing, sculpting, mosaic, carving and using Japanese trowels and sponges to create a variety of different textures and finishes. We'll also be creating our own clay paints from local foraged clays.

"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.

Japanese trowel and burnishing stone.

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 with some cob or clay plaster experience, wanting to take their skills to the next level.
• 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.
• People wanting to connect with like minds and have some fun while learning.

 My sculpted clay plaster curving wall in my barn renovation. All paints were created from the clays in and around my land.

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 to use a Japanese trowel.

What will you learn in this workshop?

• The difference between a more rustic body plaster and a finishing plaster.
• How to create different types of fine finishing plaster.
• How to use a Japanese trowel (and other trowels too).
• How to use sponges in different ways to create a variety of exciting finishes.
• The art of burnishing.
• How to sculpt clay plaster.
• Carving clay plaster.
• Embedding tiles, pottery, mirrors, bottles etc into clay plaster.
• How to make your own clay paints.
• Using natural pigments/mica in plasters.

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

TOTAL PRICE FOR PARTICIPATING IN BOTH WORKSHOPS:

EARLY BIRD £495
STANDARD TICKET: £550

Student learning to burnish and sculpt clay plaster.

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, close to the market town of Needham market and Stowmarket.

 Orchard Barn in Suffolk

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

The amazing Orchard Barn Tudor Longhouse dating back to the 1580s.

A Wonderful Opportunity!

One of the special things about this workshop in Suffolk is that you will contribute to the restoration of the wonderful Tudor Longhouse. 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. It's certainly worth seeing.

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.

100% homemade clay paints, lime paints, with natural pigments and mica can be used to create gorgeous finishes..

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. I can't offer refunds.

CONTACT:
If you have any questions, or need more information, just email Atulya at: 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.

Above photo: Me, my dog, and my mud home in Turkey.

WATCH WHAT YOU CAN MAKE WITH CLAY PLASTER HERE