Creating with Cob

ancient materials

2 Hour Live ONLINE Session
with Elizabeth Gleave

Learn how to create with an ancient combination developed by humans across the globe. Cob structures still stand today that are 1000’s of years old. We will be using the material to open up our imaginations to the many inspiring perspectives and creations cob can bring to your life. Whilst we won’t be building a house in this session, you will be familiarising yourself with all the skills required to do this. Cob can be used for many other things, which we will discover in this session. From sculptures and candle holders to window sills. This is an introduction to the many regenerative wonders of Cob and what you can create when your imagination takes the lead.

Elizabeth has taught Cob Building across the world, to children and adults alike. She was manager of a Natural Building Initiative in Asia and continued to create her own charity in the UK, teaching natural building as a tool for community development and healing. She ran cob oven building programmes at schools, to explore regenerative systems, from soil to plate, and worked with organisations who supported adults with brain injuries, using cob as an enriching material to stimulate full body restoration, working with hands, body, feet and mud.

Cob is a combination of everything we need for healthy minds, bodies and lands.

£40

All sessions are recorded and made available for a week following the course.

This also includes times for any feedback questions.

During this workshop, you will learn the origins and uses of cob from around the world. You will learn how to create your own cob mix and what techniques and methods must be considered. Together we will explore a variety of skills to shape and work with cob and the infinite possibilities it can be shaped in to. After the session you will be equipped to begin making cob creations in your house & garden, using only natural materials and incorporating waste as part of a new recycling system.

IN A 2 HOUR LIVE ONLINE SESSION:

  • Tools

    Flat stone

    A board or mat that you can make mixes on - at least 80 x 80 cm

    Pot for water

    Cooking Pan & Hob

    Large Paint Brush

    Table Spoon

    Washing up tub and towel to wash your feet with if you choose to mix this way!

  • Finding your own clay

    It is possible to dig for your own clay. Below are videos on how to do this. If you donot feel confident with this skill please bring 2-5 kg of natural teracotta clay to the session.

    HOW TO DIG FOR YOUR OWN CLAY

    HOW TO FIND NATURAL CLAY

    4 TYPES OF WILD CLAY YOU AN FIND IN NATURE

    CREATE POTTERY FROM WILD CLAY

    PLEASE NOTE: Course clay with small stones is ok for our session. You do not have to sieve for a smooth paste.

  • Cob Materials

    2-5 kg of natural clay

    2-5 kg of natural sand
    this can be from the beach (please soak and wash due to salt) or from a river bed. Or from a natural suppliers.

    Dried wild Grasses or Straw
    3-5 bunches (as in image above title)

    1kg Organic White Flour

    1 Litre Tap Water (or any mineral water source that inspires you)

    All ingredients can be a rough estimate - our mixes will be balanced during the session relative to your quantities.

  • ‘Mind blowing and heart opening workshop … dense with practical and poetic inspiration’

    Cathryn

  • 'Full of inspiration and magic.'

    Kathryn

  • 'I'm writing to let you know that just over two years ago, I took a soil chromatography class with the Land Art Agency, and now I have an exhibition of chromatograms on display in a museum. I thought you might be interested in knowing that one workshop has inspired so much.'

    Mari Miller

  • 'I have adored this so much! thank you so much for bringing so much INSPIRATION and knowledge to a restful and fulfilling Sunday morning.'

    Esmee

  • ‘Such a wonderful dialogue and exchange. Thank you so much! I think that it is so wonderful how ‘art making’ can be viewed as a practice that fosters well-being and restoration as opposed to some of the more pejorative aspects or outcomes of the art market or art world. This honestly should come through in art and design school ‘training’ as well. So grateful for all that was shared. Very inspiring!’

    Abigail

  • 'Thank you so much. Two hours very well spent with plenty to think about and do.'

    Liz

  • 'Thank you all for an amazing and inspirational Session! I'm just starting a new project and so this has all been really helpful!'

    Naomi

  • 'Thank you everyone. Really inspiring and nice to feel that connection with others.'

    Jess

  • 'Thank you all so much! It's been one of the best sessions I've done in ages. x'

    Consuela

  • ‘Thank you for a great session. I have enjoyed it and go away inspired by everyone. Looking forward to the next session.’

    Helen

  • 'Thank you so much for this talk! It’s 3-5AM here in Saskatchewan but totally worth it!!'

    Barbara