Category: Workshops/Trainings

Amazing Couple Builds the Applegate Cottage on Whidbey Island

I met Paul and Sara in 2015, long before they moved into their very own Applegate Cottage, at my seven-day, hands-on workshop in La Grande, Oregon and was immediately struck by what an awesome couple they are. They had a work ethic like I’d not seen in years, and were always full of smiles and […]

Straw Bale Workshops in the Time of COVID

“…My neck is stiff, my voice is weak, I hardly whisper when I speak. My tongue is filling up my mouth, I think my hair is falling out. My elbow’s bent, my spine ain’t straight, My temperature is one-o-eight. My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear, There is a hole inside my ear. I have […]

2020 Straw Bale Workshop Hosts: Last Call!

Group Photo os straw bale workshop

This is the last call for 2020 straw bale workshop hosts. If you hope to host a workshop on your project, please get me your application soon. You can find the application by reading this article or visiting the hosting page on the website.

Something is Missing in Your Life…and We Can Change That

If you’re like most people in the world, something is missing in your life. You may not know what it is, or may not have even identified with “missing something” until just now; all the same, you can feel it. Don’t believe me? Sit quietly and ask yourself: “Is there something missing? Is there a […]

Two Day Natural Plaster Workshop in Temecula, CA

People plastering a straw bale wall

You’re invited to a special event! Join us at a two-day plastering party/workshop at a beautiful home we recently baled during a seven-day workshop in Temecula. The county was not willing to let us plaster until they had completed another inspection, and now that inspection is done. We are ready to throw some mud!! HERE […]

Affordable Straw Bale Retreat Opportunity!

straw bale cabin kitchen

Andrew and I were recently in Eugene, OR getting our kids settled into the University of Oregon (go Ducks lol!). During our week up there, we had the pleasure of staying in the Dharma Suite at Dharmalaya and can we just say “WOW!!!”? We are sharing some information about this incredibly affordable straw bale retreat […]

The Importance of Having Time

Time for Gratitude

If you’re living your life like most people, you’re missing out on the actual experience of life and the joy it brings. Stop wasting time and start living by learning the impact of gratitude.

Experience a Straw Bale Workshop With Us!

Andrew Playing Guitar at straw bale Workshop

As the workshop season continues on, you may be wondering what it’s like to experience a seven day, hands-on workshop. This new video will give you a delicious taste of what it’s like. As I’ve heard many times from participants: “It’s so much more than just a workshop.” I hope you will join me at […]

2-Day CASBA Workshop June 3-4, 2017

CASBA straw bale workshop Flyer

Learn how to wrap an existing structure with straw bales at a 2-Day workshop presented by CASBA, the California Straw Building Association.

CASBA 2017 Spring Conference

Just want to share a quick announcement about the upcoming Spring Conference in Petaluma, California. The event will be held May 5-7th and will, once again, prove to be a blast and highly informative. If you can make it, please register today and secure your spot. The folks at CASBA work hard to bring you […]

Inspiring Straw Bale Workshop Video

Walsenburg straw bale workshop Group Photo

This is a must watch if you are interested in attending a straw bale workshop. In fact, even if you are not planning on attending, this inspiring straw bale workshop video is worth watching anyway. The video really sums up the workshop experience and the potential for life changing relationships that are born there.

Heading to the Desert

Desert Scene

I’m heading to the desert to celebrate the 20th anniversary of CASBA and to share and learn about straw bale construction.

The Power of Education – A 15 Question Test

straw bale workshop site

It may sound obvious, but learning how to build a house, of any kind but especially a straw bale house, is a good thing to do before you actually start building. Ask yourself the following 15 questions and if you cannot answer them with a high level of confidence, you would be best served to gain some more experience before you start building.