Terra Vida Academy
Overview:
Day 1: Foundations of Earthen Plasters
Morning Session: Begins at 9:00 am
• Introduction & Material Basics
• Welcome & Course Overview
◦ Introduction to earthen plasters and paints
◦ Benefits of natural finishes
• Understanding the materials and mixology
◦ Sourcing local materials
◦ Testing mixes
Midday Session:
• Mixing & applying base coats
• Hands-On Mixing
◦ Proportions and consistency for different plaster layers
◦ Mixing techniques
• Preparation work
◦ Substrates: drywall, wood, straw bale, adobe, etc.
◦ Keying and bonding strategies
• Application practice
◦ Applying scratch and brown coats
◦ Trowel techniques
Afternoon Session:
• Sculptural & decorative techniques
• Repairing plastered surfaces
◦ Designing for durability / best practices
Day 2: Earthen Paints & Fine Finishes
Morning Session: Begins at 9:00 am
• Making natural paints
• Introduction to Earthen Paints
◦ Discuss various types - clay, lime, casein
• Paint Recipes & Mixing
◦ Clay-based paints, mineral pigments, and binders
◦ Achieving vibrant colors with natural and non-toxic materials
• Application techniques - brushes, trowels, hands
◦ Layering and blending colors
Midday Session:
• Finish Plaster
◦ Burnishing techniques for a glossy or matte finish
• Sealing & protecting
◦ Natural sealants - soaps, oils, waxes
Afternoon Session:
• Pigments - sourcing and applications
• Decorative techniques
• Hands-On practice
◦ Each participant applies a small section with personalized design
• Final Q&A, Maintenance, & Next Steps
◦ Caring for earthen finishes
◦ Resources for further learning
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will:
~ Understand material selection and preparation for earthen plasters and paints.
~ Be able to mix and apply base, finish, and decorative plaster layers.
~ Know multiple techniques for creating textures and sculptural effects.
~ Have hands-on experience making and applying natural paints.
~ Gain the confidence to undertake your own earthen finish projects.
Who Should Attend?
• DIY enthusiasts, natural builders, artists, and designers
• Homeowners looking for sustainable wall finishes
• Contractors interested in eco-friendly plastering techniques
All materials and tools are provided. Please bring work gloves, N95 dust mask, and clothing that can get stained.
Join us for a creative, hands-on journey into the world of earthen finishes!
Meals: Please provide your own meals. There will be limited kitchen facilities for you to use (microwave, sink, refrigerator, etc.). We recommend bringing premade meals. You can also go into town for meals (6 miles). There are several great restaurants and food carts (you can ride into town on the paved Banks-Vernonia State Trail. 12 miles round trip. Level of difficulty - Easy). Bring your water bottle. There is unlimited filtered water.
Overnight Accommodations: Glamping yurts and platform tents are available to rent for Saturday night. Maximum 2 people per yurt or tent. Yurts are $100, Platform Tents are $75. Yurts and Tents include queen beds, linens and pillows. Bring an extra blanket if you are prone to being cold. You can set up your own tent for free.
Fires, Cooking, Alcohol, and Quiet Hours: We will have a campfire Saturday night at the pavilion fire pit until 10:00 PM. There are no other fires or cooking allowed anywhere on the property due to extreme fire danger. All cooking must be done in outdoor kitchen. Mild alcohol consumption is allowed. Lights outs in the shared areas is 11:00 PM. TVA reserves the right to ask people who cannot follow the campground rules to leave the property immediate.
Cycling: Bring a bike if you would like to ride the Banks-Vernonia State Trailer on your free time or after the workshop ends.