Past Presentations and Workshops

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August 19-21 2005

Sculpting Sacred Space ~ A Women's Weekend Retreat.

Hand-Sculpted Space is possible! In this nourishing rural setting, you will have the opportunity to explore how natural materials can be used to beautifully shape interior and exterior spaces. Imagine sculpting a niche, rounded corner or arched doorway. We will be spending some time in the Strawbale Studio, an enchanting thatched roof, sculptural building made of natural materials. This “Place for the Soul”, constructed primarily by 4 woman, with the help of many other, is an inspiring example of creating a sense of reverence. During the Retreat you will have a chance to shape a model or sculpture out of an earthen mix - - which you can take home with you. Both indoor and outdoor space will be explored, and the group will collaboratively create a space together. There will also be time for reflection, walks in the woods, or conversations. You are invited to bring words, images, music or objects which represent the sacred, or remind you of the kind of spaces and places you would like to have in your life. Appropriate for the home-dweller, the artist or interior designer and the curious!

       Interior of the Strawbale Studio

Weekend: $160/$140*. Discount s for 2 or more. Includes Friday Evening Slide show, tour of the thatched-roof Strawbale Studio, all materials, all meals (vegetarian) & simple lodging. Friday Evening Slide show only: $15. $50 deposit due 2 weeks in advance. * Discount if paid in full 2 weeks in advance.

August 19-24 2005

Sculpting Sacred Space ~ A Women's Intensive Workshop

This 5-day in-depth experience includes the Friday through Sunday Weekend Retreat listed above plus deeper exploration into the materials and possibilities! It also includes a personal consultation on how you can apply these techniques to your own spaces, and a copy of The Hand-Sculpted House Book illustrated by the presenter ($35 value).
In-depth Workshop: $300/$250* Discounts for 2 or more. *Early Bird Discount: prepaid in full 2 weeks in advance.

August 31, 2005

Three Little Pigs Tour. Strawbale Video and Supper.

Curious about natural building and the Strawbale Studio? Come visit this enchanting thatched-roof structure and learn more about the natural building movement. Also find out about the other activities at the Studio, posted at www.hack.org/links.html, model-making, natural paints and plastering. Books/art for sale. Includes a vegetarian supper.

$25/ $20(early-bird discount) or bring a friend ~ 2 for $35 prepaid.

September 17, 2005

Natural Building Day

Join us at the Strawbale Studio for a tour and join in the natural building process. The Strawbale Studio is a uniquely sculptural structure with a thatched roof and earthen-covered strawbale walls evoke medieval memories. Learn about earthen mixes, where to find them, and their various applications. Hands-on. 1-5 pm. Optional: Potluck supper and free evening videos on natural building. $20 if paid by September 10 or $35 at the door.

October 15-16, 2005

Natural Building Presentation and Display at Bioneers Detroit (at Wayne State University).

November 6, 2005

Earth Sculpture Workshop         10am - 12 pm

Natural Paints Workshop            1 pm – 5 pm

Curious about natural building materials? Learn about materials you can use in your own existing house to make it more nurturing and natural. In the morning, learn to make an earthen mix from local soils, and shape your own model or sculpture. Bring some food to share for lunch. In the afternoon experiment with milk paint, egg paint, beer glaze and alis on a board that you can take with you. Includes a tour of the enchanting Strawbale Studio Natural Building Project which features a thatched roof, a sculptural interior & solar electricity. Come for either or both parts of the day.

Earth Sculpture $18, Natural Paints $25 or both for $35 due by Oct 28. Group rates 20% discount.

November 12 & 13

  and

November 19 & 20

Rocket Stove Workshop

10 am to 5:00 pm

Come help construct a heated bench using a Rocket Stove design. Efficient, hand-built, flexible design. Book available: Rocket Stoves to Heat Cob Buildings. Order from Cob Cottage Co. 541 942 2005

Rocket Stoves ~ A Revolution in Wood Heating by Ianto Evans

"Rocket Stoves are the ultimate in efficiency, reducing wood to carbon dioxide and water vapor, with a little ash. Coupled with heat storage in a cob bench bed or floor they provide gentle heat for up to two days without an all night smoldering fire that poisons the neighbors and heats mainly the sky. They are quite safe for small children as there are no dangerously hot surfaces. Rocket stoves work by burning wood in a completely new way than providing all their heat for cooking, toasting, baking, or heating water or people. They keep you snug. And previously unskilled people can build them of local and recycled materials at almost no cost.

Rocket stoves incorporate the heat storage of a $10,000 mass stove, the convenience of a wood fired cook stove, the efficiency of a pellet furnace and limitless flexibility in design, all without moving parts, fans or motors. Are they a new idea? Relatively: we developed them without publicity about 20 years ago. Now they are increasingly popular in North America and Denmark, where traditional brick masons have adopted them to fit into artistic homes."

Introductory Price $25 . Discount for more than one. Bring food to share.

Payment due 2 weeks in advance. Call or email to register.

November 30, 2005

Three Little Pigs Tour, Supper & Strawbale Video

6:00 pm.

Curious about natural building and the Strawbale Studio? Come visit this enchanting thatched-roof structure and learn more about the natural building movement. Take a tour of the thatched roof, Strawbale Studio, enjoy a tasty vegetarian meal, then watch the video: The Strawbale Solution! Lots of books and resources on display.

$25/ $20(early-bird discount) or bring a friend ~ 2 for $35 prepaid. Payment due 2 weeks in advance. Call or email to register.

December 4, 2005


Two Workshops !

Earthen Sculpture (10am–12pm)

Natural Paints & Holiday Card Workshop (1pm–5pm)



                             photo: creating an earthen mix for sculpting

              photo: experimenting with natural paints

Included in this day of exploration is a tour of the Strawbale Studio as well as the sculptural aspects and natural painted areas in the main house. Learn some ways that natural materials can use to beautify your home or space!

Strawbale Studio Tree Sculpture   photo by Ronna Fisher

In the morning you will be creating an all-natural earthen modeling mix, then shaping your own model or sculpture to take home. In the afternoon, learn about, make, and experiment with egg paint, beer glaze & milk paint. Take home your test board/painting. You may also create a Holiday card or winter scene using pastels and hand-made stencils. Just play around, or perhaps make a gift for the holidays.

Bring food to share if you are staying for lunch.

Earthen Sculpture $18, Natural Paints $25 or both for $35. 20% discount for 2 or more. Class size limited to 15 people. Sign up soon!

Contact Deanne (248)628-1887 ecoartdb@aol.com

December 10 & 11, 2005

Rocket Stove Workshop

December 10 & 11, 2005    10 am to 5 pm     Attend one or both days.



Learn about & help sculpt this artistic and efficient wood-heated bench using an earthen mix. You will learn about subsoil as a building medium, learn to mix and apply the mix, and experience a "test burn" of the main interior components of the system. A tour of the Strawbale Studio is also included.

outdoor test burn                  model of the heated bench.

                                                            We will be creating this shape around the fire chamber & pipes!

diagram of construction    Construction of bench to date.

The Book Rocket Stoves ~ A Revolution in Wood Heating by Ianto Evans

will be available at the workshop for $15 or order from The Cob Cottage Company 541 942 2005 or www.cobcottage.com

"Rocket Stoves are the ultimate in efficiency, reducing wood to carbon dioxide and water vapor, with a little ash. Coupled with heat storage in a cob bench bed or floor they provide gentle heat for up to two days without an all night smoldering fire that poisons the neighbors and heats mainly the sky. They are quite safe for small children as there are no dangerously hot surfaces. Rocket stoves work by burning wood in a completely new way than providing all their heat for cooking, toasting, baking, or heating water or people. They keep you snug. And previously unskilled people can build them of local and recycled materials at almost no cost.

Rocket stoves incorporate the heat storage of a $10,000 mass stove, the convenience of a wood fired cookstove, the efficiency of a pellet furnace and limitless flexibility in design, all without moving parts, fans or motors. Are they a new idea? Relatively: we developed them without publicity about 20 years ago. Now they are increasingly popular in North America and Denmark, where traditional brick masons have adopted them to fit into artistic homes."                                               Ianto Evans

Attend one or both days for a one-time Introductory price of $25.

Basic overnight accommodations included. Bring food to share.

Payment due 1 week in advance. Call or email to register.

The building we will be working in has heat but bring layers of work clothes for comfort. All supplies and materials will be provided. Bring rubber gloves and some work gloves if you have them.

January 21, 2006

  also

January 20 & 22, 2006

Reed Collection & Thatching Demonstration

9:30 am to 5:30 A day-long introductory experience in thatching. Tour the thatched-roof Strawbale Studio, experience a small thatching demonstration, then go out in the marshes and collect reed grass! You will learn how to identify, cut, bundle and store reed grass! This day will be a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. Dress in layers. Hat and gloves are a must. Make sure you have oversized boots and wool sox. Keep those toes warm!

Bring your own food for lunch, and perhaps a thermos of hot chocolate!

$45 for the day. 20 % Discount for 2 or more .    Payment due 2 weeks in advance. Call or email to   register. See other opportunities below.



Extend your experience by attending the activities on Friday and/or Sunday.

Friday, January 20 will begin at 7 pm and include a brief tour of the thatched roof studio plus an interesting video on Traditional Thatching!

Saturday, January 21 (see above)

Sunday, January 22 will be devoted to reed collection! 10 am to 5 pm. Fun in the fields. Arrive at 9:30 if you want a tour of the thatched-roof studio. Enjoy a lovely day doing this simple and rewarding process of harvesting. Bring a picnic lunch for yourself, water and perhaps a thermos of hot chocolate or tea.

Fees paid 2 weeks in advance: Friday $18, Saturday $45, Sunday $25 or $75 for the whole weekend

Fees paid 1 week in advance: Friday $25, Saturday $55, Sunday $35 or    $90 for all three days.

Price includes printed handouts and resource sheets, simple overnight accommodations. Food will be shared.

An extensive Resource Library is available for you to look at. Some books are available for sale.

January 27-29, 2006

Simple Living, Artful Living

A Women’s Winter Weekend Retreat     January 27-29, 2006

              What might a weekend of retreat do for your sense of well-being?

Reconnect with simple living skills, allowing yourself the gift of renewal and deepening in this time of the Lunar New Year! Immerse yourself in the wonders of winter on 50 acres of rural land one hour north of Detroit. Our wonderful country kitchen in the main house will be a cozy spot to gather in the company of women. There’ll be opportunities for networking and learning about simplifying and enriching our activities of daily living. . . and for your relaxation, there will be myriad choices including…chorded-beaded bracelet, popcorn n’ movie, cross-country skiing, reading n’ dozing, potluck luncheon, chocolate, thoughtful discussion, music, laughter, and gazing at the stars by bonfire, or just staying cozy indoors.

You Need To Know…We’ll provide a Saturday breakfast, a Saturday Supper Soup Bowl and Sunday Brunch. Please consider that our accommodations represent simple living. You’ll experience a unique architectural design utilizing radiant floor heating; therefore our floors are not traditionally carpeted...but they’re warm.

Things to Bring …-Towel and personal items. Bedding, including a pillow and mattress(a few beds & cots are available).- A contribution for our POTLUCK LUNCHEON on Saturday - A personal stash of munchies, unique beverage or anything satisfying personal dietary needs. We’ll provide coffee, tea, a juice beverage and filtered well water.

Reservation: $65 – $85 Sliding scale when payment in full is postmarked by Jan. 21.

After Jan 21 the fee is $100. Bring a friend: 20% Discount. Contact Deanne and Jill (248) 628 1887

ecoartdb@aol.com    www.freewebs.com/strawbalestudio

Directions will be emailed on Wednesday, Jan. 25.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

               Weekend Overview

FRIDAY – arrival 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Heart Beads Make personalized beads from natural materials ~ creating each to symbolize a cherished person or inspiring idea! Like meditation beads, these reminders can help ground us, reconnecting us, over and over again, with love and meaning (lest we forget).

Cording is a way to hand-make string or twine from a variety of plants commonly found in this area. A relaxing and practical skill. It can be used for a variety of purposes...a bracelet or basket-making material and more.

And then later, Popcorn and a Movie or conversation !

SATURDAY – breakfast 8:30                                                                                                                 Welcoming gathering 9:30 – 10:00

Tour the Strawbale Studio - an enchanting thatched-roof sculptural building made of natural materials and see a Rocket Stove heated bench under contruction.

Traditional Skills Hang out in the kitchen one afternoon and explore some traditional and simple things you can do to be more self-reliant and healthy. Explore Simple Living Skills – sprouting, making yogurt, pickling, "haybox" heatless cooking, solar cooking, indoor worm composting, cording & more!

POTLUCK...LUNCHEON

Other Enjoyments - Relax, Renew, Reconnect to the natural ... inside and out.

Early Afternoon Choices:

·           “Vegging”, Journaling, Resting, Reading, etc.

·           Heart Beads: Creating with Intention

·           Create a collage, a hand-made card or paint with water colors

·           Outdoor activities:

                 Cross country skiing, meditative walk, make a snowperson, ice sculpture

Late afternoon:

·     Learn about Natural Painting techniques for texturing.

SUPPER

Evening Activities:

Gathering for exchanging and networking, share creations from the day.

Music – feel free to bring an instrument to share, a song, a favorite reading or CD

Celebrate the Lunar New Year’s Eve (The Women’s New Year?) with a

    Bonfire (weather permitting) or a movie if you’re preferring to stay cozy inside!

SUNDAY – Continental..breakfast

Morning options:

·     Yoga video

·     Morning walk

·     Inspirational Video

·     Listing of local churches available

BRUNCH

Conversation: What is Simple Living? How can it occur in our lives ?   What elements have you already incorporated in your life?

Closing 2 pm

Check out time 4 pm (for those who wish to stay past 2 pm and enjoy the setting).

March 5, 2006
Reed Harvesting on Harson's Island     9:30 am - 5 pm

A unique & practical outdoor adventure! Learn to harvest Phragmite reeds that are used for thatching. Keep what you collect or donate for use on a thatched roof Children?s Cottage!

Arrive earlier at 9 am if you want to check out the thatched-roof Strawbale Studio + thatching demonstration model. $20 for the day. (248)628-1887 ecoartdb@aol.com.

Wear warm oversized boots with wool sox to keep feet warm and bring food to share and your own water or hot drink. Saftey glasses are recommended. We will be using Japanese Sickles for cutting the reed, and making the reed into bundles.

March 11-12 2006
Rocket Stove Workshop    10 am - 5 pm

Attend one or both days. $25/day or $30/weekend. Learn about & help sculpt this artistic & efficient wood-heated bench.using a natural earthen mix. Experience a "test burn" of the main interior components of the system, and tour the thatched-roof Strawbale Studio. Bring food to share. (248)628-1887 ecoartdb@aol.com. See more information in the Rocket Stove listing below under "past workshops".

March 18, 2006
Rocket Stove Workshop    10 am - 5 pm

March 24-26, 2006
Sculpting Sacred Space ~ A Women’s Weekend Retreat

Hand-Sculpted Space is possible! In this nourishing rural setting, you will have the opportunity to explore how natural materials can be used to beautifully shape interior and exterior spaces. Imagine sculpting a niche, rounded corner or arched doorway. We will be spending some time in the Strawbale Studio, an enchanting thatched roof, sculptural building made of natural materials. This “Place for the Soul”, constructed primarily by 4 woman, with the help of many other, is an inspiring example of creating a sense of reverence. During the Retreat you will have a chance to shape a model or sculpture out of an earthen mix - - which you can take home with you. Both indoor and outdoor space will be explored, and the group will collaboratively create a space together. There will also be time for reflection, walks in the woods, or conversations. You are invited to bring words, images, music or objects which represent the sacred, or remind you of the kind of spaces and places you would like to have in your life.

Appropriate for the home-dweller, the artist or interior designer and the curious!

interior of Strawbale Studio.       We will be sculpting in the main house.

$125 when paid in full 2 weeks in advance or $150 paid one week in advance. Includes a Friday Evening Slide show, a tour of the thatched-roof Strawbale Studio, all materials, vegetarian meals & simple lodging. Friday only: $15 for Tour of Strawbale Studio & Slide show. $50 deposit due 2 weeks in advance.

[Click here to return to Strawbale Studio Home Page ]

*August 19-21 2005*	Sculpting Sacred Space ~ A Women's Weekend Retreat. Hand-Sculpted Space is possible! In this nourishing rural setting, you will have the opportunity to explore how natural materials can be used to beautifully shape interior and exterior spaces. Imagine sculpting a niche, rounded corner or arched doorway. We will be spending some time in the Strawbale Studio, an enchanting thatched roof, sculptural building made of natural materials. This “Place for the Soul”, constructed primarily by 4 woman, with the help of many other, is an inspiring example of creating a sense of reverence. During the Retreat you will have a chance to shape a model or sculpture out of an earthen mix - - which you can take home with you. Both indoor and outdoor space will be explored, and the group will collaboratively create a space together. There will also be time for reflection, walks in the woods, or conversations. You are invited to bring words, images, music or objects which represent the sacred, or remind you of the kind of spaces and places you would like to have in your life. Appropriate for the home-dweller, the artist or interior designer and the curious! Interior of the Strawbale Studio Weekend: $160/$140. Discount s for 2 or more. Includes Friday Evening Slide show, tour of the thatched-roof Strawbale Studio, all materials, all meals (vegetarian) & simple lodging. Friday Evening Slide show only: $15. $50 deposit due 2 weeks in advance. Discount if paid in full 2 weeks in advance.

*August 19-24 2005*	Sculpting Sacred Space ~ A Women's Intensive Workshop This 5-day in-depth experience includes the Friday through Sunday Weekend Retreat listed above plus deeper exploration into the materials and possibilities! It also includes a personal consultation on how you can apply these techniques to your own spaces, and a copy of The Hand-Sculpted House Book illustrated by the presenter ($35 value). In-depth Workshop: $300/$250* Discounts for 2 or more. *Early Bird Discount: prepaid in full 2 weeks in advance.
*August 31, 2005*	Three Little Pigs Tour. Strawbale Video and Supper. Curious about natural building and the Strawbale Studio? Come visit this enchanting thatched-roof structure and learn more about the natural building movement. Also find out about the other activities at the Studio, posted at www.hack.org/links.html, model-making, natural paints and plastering. Books/art for sale. Includes a vegetarian supper. $25/ $20(early-bird discount) or bring a friend ~ 2 for $35 prepaid.
*September 17, 2005*	Natural Building Day Join us at the Strawbale Studio for a tour and join in the natural building process. The Strawbale Studio is a uniquely sculptural structure with a thatched roof and earthen-covered strawbale walls evoke medieval memories. Learn about earthen mixes, where to find them, and their various applications. Hands-on. 1-5 pm. Optional: Potluck supper and free evening videos on natural building. $20 if paid by September 10 or $35 at the door.
*October 15-16, 2005*	Natural Building Presentation and Display at Bioneers Detroit (at Wayne State University).
*November 6, 2005*	Earth Sculpture Workshop 10am - 12 pm Natural Paints Workshop 1 pm – 5 pm Curious about natural building materials? Learn about materials you can use in your own existing house to make it more nurturing and natural. In the morning, learn to make an earthen mix from local soils, and shape your own model or sculpture. Bring some food to share for lunch. In the afternoon experiment with milk paint, egg paint, beer glaze and alis on a board that you can take with you. Includes a tour of the enchanting Strawbale Studio Natural Building Project which features a thatched roof, a sculptural interior & solar electricity. Come for either or both parts of the day. Earth Sculpture $18, Natural Paints $25 or both for $35 due by Oct 28. Group rates 20% discount.
*November 12 & 13* *and* *November 19 & 20*	Rocket Stove Workshop 10 am to 5:00 pm Come help construct a heated bench using a Rocket Stove design. Efficient, hand-built, flexible design. Book available: Rocket Stoves to Heat Cob Buildings. Order from Cob Cottage Co. 541 942 2005 Rocket Stoves ~ A Revolution in Wood Heating by Ianto Evans "Rocket Stoves are the ultimate in efficiency, reducing wood to carbon dioxide and water vapor, with a little ash. Coupled with heat storage in a cob bench bed or floor they provide gentle heat for up to two days without an all night smoldering fire that poisons the neighbors and heats mainly the sky. They are quite safe for small children as there are no dangerously hot surfaces. Rocket stoves work by burning wood in a completely new way than providing all their heat for cooking, toasting, baking, or heating water or people. They keep you snug. And previously unskilled people can build them of local and recycled materials at almost no cost. Rocket stoves incorporate the heat storage of a $10,000 mass stove, the convenience of a wood fired cook stove, the efficiency of a pellet furnace and limitless flexibility in design, all without moving parts, fans or motors. Are they a new idea? Relatively: we developed them without publicity about 20 years ago. Now they are increasingly popular in North America and Denmark, where traditional brick masons have adopted them to fit into artistic homes." *Introductory Price $25 . Discount for more than one. Bring food to share.* Payment due 2 weeks in advance. Call or email to register.
*November 30, 2005*	Three Little Pigs Tour, Supper & Strawbale Video 6:00 pm. Curious about natural building and the Strawbale Studio? Come visit this enchanting thatched-roof structure and learn more about the natural building movement. Take a tour of the thatched roof, Strawbale Studio, enjoy a tasty vegetarian meal, then watch the video: The Strawbale Solution! Lots of books and resources on display. $25/ $20(early-bird discount) or bring a friend ~ 2 for $35 prepaid. Payment due 2 weeks in advance. Call or email to register.
*December 4, 2005*	*Two Workshops !* Earthen Sculpture (10am–12pm) Natural Paints & Holiday Card Workshop (1pm–5pm) photo: creating an earthen mix for sculpting photo: experimenting with natural paints Included in this day of exploration is a tour of the Strawbale Studio as well as the sculptural aspects and natural painted areas in the main house. Learn some ways that natural materials can use to beautify your home or space! Strawbale Studio Tree Sculpture photo by Ronna Fisher In the morning you will be creating an all-natural earthen modeling mix, then shaping your own model or sculpture to take home. In the afternoon, learn about, make, and experiment with egg paint, beer glaze & milk paint. Take home your test board/painting. You may also create a Holiday card or winter scene using pastels and hand-made stencils. Just play around, or perhaps make a gift for the holidays. Bring food to share if you are staying for lunch. Earthen Sculpture $18, Natural Paints $25 or both for $35. 20% discount for 2 or more. Class size limited to 15 people. Sign up soon! Contact Deanne (248)628-1887 ecoartdb@aol.com
*December 10 & 11, 2005*	Rocket Stove Workshop December 10 & 11, 2005 10 am to 5 pm Attend one or both days. Learn about & help sculpt this artistic and efficient wood-heated bench using an earthen mix. You will learn about subsoil as a building medium, learn to mix and apply the mix, and experience a "test burn" of the main interior components of the system. A tour of the Strawbale Studio is also included. outdoor test burn model of the heated bench. We will be creating this shape around the fire chamber & pipes! diagram of construction Construction of bench to date. The Book Rocket Stoves ~ A Revolution in Wood Heating by Ianto Evans will be available at the workshop for $15 or order from The Cob Cottage Company 541 942 2005 or www.cobcottage.com "Rocket Stoves are the ultimate in efficiency, reducing wood to carbon dioxide and water vapor, with a little ash. Coupled with heat storage in a cob bench bed or floor they provide gentle heat for up to two days without an all night smoldering fire that poisons the neighbors and heats mainly the sky. They are quite safe for small children as there are no dangerously hot surfaces. Rocket stoves work by burning wood in a completely new way than providing all their heat for cooking, toasting, baking, or heating water or people. They keep you snug. And previously unskilled people can build them of local and recycled materials at almost no cost. Rocket stoves incorporate the heat storage of a $10,000 mass stove, the convenience of a wood fired cookstove, the efficiency of a pellet furnace and limitless flexibility in design, all without moving parts, fans or motors. Are they a new idea? Relatively: we developed them without publicity about 20 years ago. Now they are increasingly popular in North America and Denmark, where traditional brick masons have adopted them to fit into artistic homes." Ianto Evans Attend one or both days for a one-time Introductory price of $25. Basic overnight accommodations included. Bring food to share. Payment due 1 week in advance. Call or email to register. The building we will be working in has heat but bring layers of work clothes for comfort. All supplies and materials will be provided. Bring rubber gloves and some work gloves if you have them.
*January 21, 2006* *also* *January 20 & 22, 2006*	Reed Collection & Thatching Demonstration 9:30 am to 5:30 A day-long introductory experience in thatching. Tour the thatched-roof Strawbale Studio, experience a small thatching demonstration, then go out in the marshes and collect reed grass! You will learn how to identify, cut, bundle and store reed grass! This day will be a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. Dress in layers. Hat and gloves are a must. Make sure you have oversized boots and wool sox. Keep those toes warm! Bring your own food for lunch, and perhaps a thermos of hot chocolate! $45 for the day. 20 % Discount for 2 or more . Payment due 2 weeks in advance. Call or email to register. See other opportunities below. Extend your experience by attending the activities on Friday and/or Sunday. Friday, January 20 will begin at 7 pm and include a brief tour of the thatched roof studio plus an interesting video on Traditional Thatching! Saturday, January 21 (see above) Sunday, January 22 will be devoted to reed collection! 10 am to 5 pm. Fun in the fields. Arrive at 9:30 if you want a tour of the thatched-roof studio. Enjoy a lovely day doing this simple and rewarding process of harvesting. Bring a picnic lunch for yourself, water and perhaps a thermos of hot chocolate or tea. Fees paid 2 weeks in advance: Friday $18, Saturday $45, Sunday $25 or $75 for the whole weekend Fees paid 1 week in advance: Friday $25, Saturday $55, Sunday $35 or $90 for all three days. Price includes printed handouts and resource sheets, simple overnight accommodations. Food will be shared. An extensive Resource Library is available for you to look at. Some books are available for sale.
January 27-29, 2006	Simple Living, Artful Living A Women’s Winter Weekend Retreat January 27-29, 2006 What might a weekend of retreat do for your sense of well-being? Reconnect with simple living skills, allowing yourself the gift of renewal and deepening in this time of the Lunar New Year! Immerse yourself in the wonders of winter on 50 acres of rural land one hour north of Detroit. Our wonderful country kitchen in the main house will be a cozy spot to gather in the company of women. There’ll be opportunities for networking and learning about simplifying and enriching our activities of daily living. . . and for your relaxation, there will be myriad choices including…chorded-beaded bracelet, popcorn n’ movie, cross-country skiing, reading n’ dozing, potluck luncheon, chocolate, thoughtful discussion, music, laughter, and gazing at the stars by bonfire, or just staying cozy indoors. You Need To Know…We’ll provide a Saturday breakfast, a Saturday Supper Soup Bowl and Sunday Brunch. Please consider that our accommodations represent simple living. You’ll experience a unique architectural design utilizing radiant floor heating; therefore our floors are not traditionally carpeted...but they’re warm. Things to Bring …-Towel and personal items. Bedding, including a pillow and mattress(a few beds & cots are available).- A contribution for our POTLUCK LUNCHEON on Saturday - A personal stash of munchies, unique beverage or anything satisfying personal dietary needs. We’ll provide coffee, tea, a juice beverage and filtered well water. Reservation: $65 – $85 Sliding scale when payment in full is postmarked by Jan. 21. After Jan 21 the fee is $100. Bring a friend: 20% Discount. Contact Deanne and Jill (248) 628 1887 ecoartdb@aol.com www.freewebs.com/strawbalestudio Directions will be emailed on Wednesday, Jan. 25. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weekend Overview FRIDAY – arrival 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Heart Beads Make personalized beads from natural materials ~ creating each to symbolize a cherished person or inspiring idea! Like meditation beads, these reminders can help ground us, reconnecting us, over and over again, with love and meaning (lest we forget). Cording is a way to hand-make string or twine from a variety of plants commonly found in this area. A relaxing and practical skill. It can be used for a variety of purposes...a bracelet or basket-making material and more. And then later, Popcorn and a Movie or conversation ! SATURDAY – breakfast 8:30 Welcoming gathering 9:30 – 10:00 Tour the Strawbale Studio - an enchanting thatched-roof sculptural building made of natural materials and see a Rocket Stove heated bench under contruction. Traditional Skills Hang out in the kitchen one afternoon and explore some traditional and simple things you can do to be more self-reliant and healthy. Explore Simple Living Skills – sprouting, making yogurt, pickling, "haybox" heatless cooking, solar cooking, indoor worm composting, cording & more! POTLUCK...LUNCHEON Other Enjoyments - Relax, Renew, Reconnect to the natural ... inside and out. Early Afternoon Choices: · “Vegging”, Journaling, Resting, Reading, etc. · Heart Beads: Creating with Intention · Create a collage, a hand-made card or paint with water colors · Outdoor activities: Cross country skiing, meditative walk, make a snowperson, ice sculpture Late afternoon: · Learn about Natural Painting techniques for texturing. SUPPER Evening Activities: Gathering for exchanging and networking, share creations from the day. Music – feel free to bring an instrument to share, a song, a favorite reading or CD Celebrate the Lunar New Year’s Eve (The Women’s New Year?) with a Bonfire (weather permitting) or a movie if you’re preferring to stay cozy inside! SUNDAY – Continental..breakfast Morning options: · Yoga video · Morning walk · Inspirational Video · Listing of local churches available BRUNCH Conversation: What is Simple Living? How can it occur in our lives ? What elements have you already incorporated in your life? Closing 2 pm Check out time 4 pm (for those who wish to stay past 2 pm and enjoy the setting).
March 5, 2006	Reed Harvesting on Harson's Island 9:30 am - 5 pm A unique & practical outdoor adventure! Learn to harvest Phragmite reeds that are used for thatching. Keep what you collect or donate for use on a thatched roof Children?s Cottage! Arrive earlier at 9 am if you want to check out the thatched-roof Strawbale Studio + thatching demonstration model. $20 for the day. (248)628-1887 ecoartdb@aol.com. Wear warm oversized boots with wool sox to keep feet warm and bring food to share and your own water or hot drink. Saftey glasses are recommended. We will be using Japanese Sickles for cutting the reed, and making the reed into bundles.
March 11-12 2006	Rocket Stove Workshop 10 am - 5 pm Attend one or both days. $25/day or $30/weekend. Learn about & help sculpt this artistic & efficient wood-heated bench.using a natural earthen mix. Experience a "test burn" of the main interior components of the system, and tour the thatched-roof Strawbale Studio. Bring food to share. (248)628-1887 ecoartdb@aol.com. See more information in the Rocket Stove listing below under "past workshops".
March 18, 2006	Rocket Stove Workshop 10 am - 5 pm
March 24-26, 2006	Sculpting Sacred Space ~ A Women’s Weekend Retreat Hand-Sculpted Space is possible! In this nourishing rural setting, you will have the opportunity to explore how natural materials can be used to beautifully shape interior and exterior spaces. Imagine sculpting a niche, rounded corner or arched doorway. We will be spending some time in the Strawbale Studio, an enchanting thatched roof, sculptural building made of natural materials. This “Place for the Soul”, constructed primarily by 4 woman, with the help of many other, is an inspiring example of creating a sense of reverence. During the Retreat you will have a chance to shape a model or sculpture out of an earthen mix - - which you can take home with you. Both indoor and outdoor space will be explored, and the group will collaboratively create a space together. There will also be time for reflection, walks in the woods, or conversations. You are invited to bring words, images, music or objects which represent the sacred, or remind you of the kind of spaces and places you would like to have in your life. Appropriate for the home-dweller, the artist or interior designer and the curious! interior of Strawbale Studio. We will be sculpting in the main house. $125 when paid in full 2 weeks in advance or $150 paid one week in advance. Includes a Friday Evening Slide show, a tour of the thatched-roof Strawbale Studio, all materials, vegetarian meals & simple lodging. Friday only: $15 for Tour of Strawbale Studio & Slide show. $50 deposit due 2 weeks in advance.