1999 Women's Building Workshop

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Next Tour
Saturday, May 24, 1pm
Call 883-5511 for info

Participate in a hands-on 7-day workshop and learn to construct your own straw bale cabin from professional women builders. No experience necessary.

Where: The Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage, Rutledge, MO strawbale worker

When: June 26 - July 2, 1999

Tuition: Sliding scale -- $265-$550

Accomodations: Food and camping space provided.

picture of construction If you have specific questions or wish to register, contact Jennifer at 660-883-5511 or jjcorbin@usa.net. For more information about strawbale building at Dancing Rabbit, see pictures and a description of our first strawbale cabin's construction.

Presenter: Keely Meagan has been working on natural building projects in the West Coast, Southwest and Mexico for the last three years. It all began when she left her life as a desktop publisher to apprentice in cob construction and explore an unexplained passion for mud. Five months later winter rained down on Oregon. Keely hitched up her RV and headed for the sunny south lands to work with a variety of natural builders, specializing in her now confirmed passions for cob and earthern plasters. She currently co-coordinates Artisan Earth (a women's roving earth plaster crew) and teaches natural building workshops with Alyssa Spencer. Her personal misson is to get a many people as she can to join her in the mud!

What will be covered in this workshop?

During the seven day workshop we will construct a small one-room strawale cabin. The foundation will be laid before participants arrive, to allow time for the cement to harden. Workshop participants will learn to work with tools and materials to construct the cabin with strawbale walls with an earthen plaster stucco, a tin roof, and an earthern floor. Theories and an overview will be mixed with hands-on building to help develop skills applicable to future home building and construction in general. Gaining knowledge, developing skills, having fun, making friends, feeling empowered, and building a cabin are some of the goals that have been set forth for the week.

What facilities are available?

Tent space will be made available for all participants on Dancing Rabbit land. There is room to park campers and r.v.s, but no hook-ups will be available. Rustic conditions offer outhouse and solar shower use, with standard showering and bathing available nearby. A swimming hole on the property is a favorite cooling off spot for residents, so bring your swimming suits (if you wear 'em!)

What will I eat?

Fifty dollars of your registration fee is going toward your food for the week. Skyhouse Community is a sub-group of Dancing Rabbit and they are hosting us, providing us with three meals a day. The food will be organic, locally grown, and vegan/vegetarian. Please include specific food issues or allergies with your registration form. We recommend that you bring some snack food for yourself, especially if you are bringing children. If you do bring food, please keep in an air-tight, animal and bug resistant container.

Is childcare provided?

Childcare is being provided during the day while the workshop is in session. Halle Bennet is providing the service. She is an experienced mid-wife who has a degree in children's literature. She has worked professionally as an infant nurse and as a preschool teacher. She is also a mother of two! She may choose an assistant to help her. Parent/guardian will be responsible for their children during non-workshop times, including meals. We do not carry insurance for participants or children, so attend and play at your own risk!

What should I bring?

Necessary: tent (campers ok); bedding; towel; work clothes; work gloves; hammer

Recommended: flashlight; insect repellent; sunscreen; hat; light-weight long pants; long sleeve cotton shirt; work boots; cordless drill; musical instuments; personal snack food; swimming suit

How will I get there?

We are located in northeastern Missouri, about three and a half hours from both Kansas City and St. Louis. We are about six hours southwest of Chicago. Directions will be sent with a confirmation letter when we receive your registration. Greyhound and Amtrak are also options and come into LaPlata, Missouri, Quincy, Illinois, and Ottumwa, Iowa. Let us know of your plans and we will arrange to pick you up.

Click Here for a registration form to print out and send in!

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