Gathering Ways is spotlighting local Chonkush “Tusa” dePalatine in this two day Lime Plaster workshop!
This workshop will take place within the city limits of Port Townsend, WA.
Join us for this hands-on application of basic lime plaster over a small light-straw-clay (or slip-straw) structure built onto a trailer, intended to be a tool shed. This class will give you experience in what it would take to build your own mobile tiny house or use the same technique on a permanent structure. Lime is an excellent finishing application for our bioregion, as it is both durable and breathable. We will work together to lay the base plaster using lime, sand, straw, manure, and water.
What will this course cover?
- site and building prep
- how to apply lime plaster on earthen and conventional materials. This structure is straw-clay. We will talk about differences and similarities applying over straw-bale, conventional, and lath.
- we will also talk about other ways to protect exteriors of straw-clay structures and why lime was chosen
- earthen building on trailers - considerations for this special circumstance
- reclaimed and upcycled materials usage
- how to make and use “bottle bricks” made of trash
- what kinds of things can be used as aggregates other than sand
- vapor barriers - when to use and when not to use them
- structural reinforcement materials such as fiberglass mesh - when to use and when not to use them
- mixing, consistency and application of the material
- how to go about detailed edging
- the magical cycle of lime, how it’s made and its uses
- hands on experience
MEALS
Tuition includes lunch for both days, made from local organic produce and organic or better meat.
AMENITIES
This class is held within the city limits of Port Townsend and there is no onsite camping at this location. The nearest designated camping area is about 1 mile away (20 minute walk, some on charming foottrails) at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Other lodging is also available throughout the town of Port Townsend. Recommended to book accommodations well in advance in the summertime.
Lovely beaches to explore, bask, and swim within walking/ biking distance, including areas where wild clays can be harvested for buildings and pottery among the herons, eagles, otters, kingfisher, wild yellow lupines, and a fascinating geological rainbow of beach stones.
CLASS SCHEDULE AND WHAT TO BRING
Class runs from 9 AM - 3 PM
Bring a water bottle, comfortable clothes that cover your arms and legs fully that you don’t mind getting stained, and closed toed shoes.
Vinyl gloves will be available in various sizes, but you may want to bring your own for a guaranteed good fit. They should be entirely waterproof all around, not just the palm.
Drinking water, snacks, and access to a bathroom will be available throughout the day.
$100-200
Work-trade positions are available.
Work-traders are fed lunch on the days they help.
10% off if registering for more than one workshop
We require a non-refundable deposit of half the cost to hold your spot.
Payable through Venmo to @x_sonikspike_x
Chonkush Tusa dePalatine bio:
“Tusa” loves working with her hands, coaxing connection from the loam of human and Earth as a body-worker, artist, and builder. Her 15+ years of relationship with wild clays began with neighborhood projects and home construction, and now extends into pottery.
Tusa lives in the Salish territories of the interior tip of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, where mountains meet sea with marvelous marl. She tempers her passion for somatic connection with nature and the healing arts through the practice of ancestral skills, as an amateur herbalist, fiberist, foodie, composer, and instrument maker.
For some past project photos:https://www.facebook.com/placecraft/photos_albums