Earth Plaster Build
Learn the ancient art of natural building — together.
September 13–27, 2026 · Lava Hot Springs, Idaho · All skill levels welcome
Learn the ancient art of natural building — together.
September 13–27, 2026 · Lava Hot Springs, Idaho · All skill levels welcome
This September, we invite humans of all ages, abilities, and experience levels to join us for a hands-on natural building workshop as we construct a small pallet cabin finished in earthen plaster. Using reclaimed materials — clay, sand, straw, and a shared vision — participants will learn sustainable building techniques while working side by side with community.
More than a construction project, this workshop is an opportunity to demonstrate what inclusion looks like in action. Everyone has gifts to contribute.
Some will lift and build. Others will mix earthen plaster, create art, share ideas, document the process, or simply encourage the team with their presence. Whether you're an experienced builder, an aspiring homesteader, a student, an elder, or someone simply curious about natural building — you are welcome here.
A pallet house is a structure framed with reclaimed pallets, often insulated with straw or other natural materials. Earthen plaster — a blend of clay, sand, and fiber — serves both as a protective finish and a functional wall layer. It's one of the oldest building materials on earth, and one of the most intelligent.
Breathability
Unlike synthetic paints or renders, earthen plaster is vapor-permeable, allowing moisture to move through the wall naturally — helping prevent dampness and mold, especially in older or unsealed structures.
Moisture Regulation
Clay absorbs humidity when the air is damp and releases it when dry, helping maintain a comfortable, balanced indoor climate through the seasons.
Natural Aesthetics
It creates warm, earthy tones and can be finished smooth or textured — a rustic or refined look no synthetic material can replicate.
Low Environmental Impact
Made from natural, locally sourced materials, earthen plaster has low embodied carbon and is fully biodegradable — building that gives back to the land.
You don't have to commit to all 13 days. Choose the path that fits your time — every option includes the full Womanifest Weekend experience.
Foundation through framing — soil tests, cob mixes, pallet walls, windows, doors, and the Community Build Day where the whole gathering comes together.
✦ Includes Womanifest Weekend Experience
The complete journey — from first soil test to limewash finish. Be there for the closing circle when we step back and behold what we built together.
✦ Includes Womanifest Weekend Experience
Crack repair, insulation, roof construction, limewash, and the closing celebration — arriving just as the structure truly begins to take shape.
✦ Includes Womanifest Weekend Experience
Two facilitators are holding this build from soil test to limewash — each bringing years of natural-building experience and their own relationship to the earth.
Mike Clark
Framing · Windows & Doors · Roofing
Mike leads the structural heart of the build — pallet framing, window and door installs, and the roof that will shelter it all. His natural building journey took him to Rainbow Bridge, Hawaii, where he worked on an earthship build — and where he first met Migz, who introduced him to cob and aircrete. The roots of this collaboration run deeper than they first appear.
Love-Leigh Hughes
Earthen Plaster · Regenerative Building · Community
Love-Leigh is a visionary educator and founder of LOVE Eco-Village, weaving regenerative agriculture and Indigenous wisdom into living models of natural building and community resilience. She leads the plaster work throughout the build — from the very first mix to the final coat.
This build stands on the shoulders of Migz, natural builder, teacher, and visionary behind the Palletable Cobin — the very structure we're bringing to life here. His wisdom, generosity, and infectious love of earthen building are a guiding light for this project.
Build & Lift
Lay pallets, set frames, shape walls.
Mix & Plaster
Blend clay, sand, and straw into earthen plaster.
Shape & Art
Carve beauty into walls as they dry.
Document
Capture the process and the people.
Teach & Share
Pass knowledge to newcomers.
Presence
Encourage the team with your spirit.
Other Activities to Enjoy While You're Here
Introductions · History of Cob · Soil & Foundations
Hands-on: soil tests, cob mix, mock wall
Love-LeighOverview of Building with Pallets
Hands-on: continue wall build with pallets
MikeWall Shaping as Art · Tensile & Compression Strength · Load Bearing
Hands-on: apply plaster mixed with cement
Love-Leigh & MikeWindows, Doors & Headers
Hands-on: install window and door frames
MikeWall Shaping — The Art of the Wall
Hands-on: plaster mix, no cement
Love-LeighBuild Day with the Full Gathering — Two Hours Together
Apply all plaster & shape art on walls — the crew teaches everyone how it's done
All HandsCrack Repair · Insulation
Hands-on: repair cracks, install insulation
Love-Leigh & MikeApplied Practice — Reinforcing What We've Learned
No formal class — revisit techniques, fill gaps, work at your own pace
Roof Construction
Hands-on: build the roof
MikeEmbodied Building — Putting It All Together
A day to integrate, experiment, and review everything covered so far
Benefits of Natural Building over Conventional Construction
Hands-on: continue the roof
Love-LeighCovering the Structure in Limewash
No class — just the rhythm of brush on wall
Celebration · Clean Up · Reflection Circle
We step back and behold what we made — together
All of UsLava Hot Springs, Idaho
Just 2 hours north
Riverside camping included · cabins available at additional cost
Meals are not provided for this workshop. A community kitchen is available for meal prep, and local restaurants in Lava Hot Springs are just a short drive away.
Bristol is offering a 20% discount on their historic cabins. Call 208-252-1435 and mention Womanifest to get the discount immediately — cabins booked online at bristolcabins.org receive a rebate instead.
September 13–27, 2026 · Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Spaces are limited — come with your hands and your heart.