Please join the California Straw Building Association for:
Ray And Roman's Clay Plaster Brown Coat Workshop!
North Fork, CA
October 3-5, 2025
Join us for a Clay Plaster Brown Coat Workshop! The workshop is being led by experienced clay builders Darles Eaton and Chris McClellan aka Uncle Mud.
During this weekend a mix of instruction time and hands-on experience will provide you with the basic knowledge of clay plasters and how to apply them on straw bales walls and other surfaces. Each participant can expect to participate in the various aspects of the plastering process to ensure the broadest possible hands-on experience. There will be tasks for every skill level and plenty of learning opportunities. All are welcome. No prior experience required. There are a range of tasks in the plastering process so everyone can get involved at every level of interest and skill. Also, save the date for the Finish Coat Workshop November 21-23!
Invitation from Ray and Roman:
Friends, As you may know, we are rebuilding our home that was destroyed by a wildfire in North Fork, California. Some interest has been expressed in finding out more about the house, and the evolving fields of Sustainable Design and Green Building which is why we hosted a bale raising and a plastering party. See a time-lapse video of the bale raising here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZyW8OAFVas. Now we are inviting you to learn and help with the plastering process.
The house is a passive/active solar design which incorporates straw-bale, solar control, massive floors, and an off-grid solar electric system. Its straw-bale portion is a non-load- bearing (aka infill) straw-bale design.
The Workshop will take place on Friday/Saturday/Sunday. Camping is available (Thursday) Friday/Saturday/and Sunday nights for those who need it. Saturday and Sunday the workshop will begin at 8:30 am.
There are many great spots on the property for you to make a campsite. (There is a full bathroom and hot shower available for all) I know some of you are bringing camper vans to park, and there are also many Airbnbs in town if that is more your jam.
We will provide meals and drinks throughout the day starting with breakfast at 7:30 am sharp. If you are local to NF and want to bring a snack, dessert or side-dish to share just let us know! Also, if you are unable to attend but want to help out, you can Venmo Ray a donation for meals. ( His Venmo is @Ray-Ford ) Or you can Zelle him at 323-445-6365. If you don't want to deal with the plaster at all we are also looking for someone to help wrangle food and meal prep. Just let Ray know.
The house is in North Fork, CA 93643. We will provide directions and related information to you once you let us know that you can join us. Please wear sturdy shoes and long sleeves, and bring gloves, a water bottle and a mask if you have them. Anyone with plastering tools is certainly invited to bring these.
We hope to see you there!
Cost: $250
Registration: https://www.strawbuilding.org/event-6274588
