Workshops
Workshops provide in-depth instruction and hands-on experience
of straw-bale methods and techniques.
Although you don't need a workshop to build with straw-bale, workshops can certainly help in making your project fun and rewarding.
Learning from the mistakes and
experience of others, sharing information, and exploring new possibilities,
as well as gathering essential information--these are vital activities
of the building process which workshops are designed to facilitate.
upcoming workshops!
TipsONWorkshops
A successful workshop requires a great deal of work to produce, and good organization. Publicity, registration, food and logistics all require time and good planning skills.
Cost
Workshops cost to produce. Publicity costs include mailings, printing, and phone calls. Registration costs can add to your phone bill, and answering questions about you workshop can take a lot of time. Most workshop leaders are compensated for their time and energy, and food and/or refreshments are usually provided. You may need to provide tents, audio-visual equipment or other facilities. Establish enrollment fees and attendance to assure that these costs will be covered.
Publicity
We've found that a key to successful attendance is good advance publicity. Publicity should be begun well in advance of the workshop, allowing time for word-of-mouth networks to function, and enabling participants to arrange their own schedules to attend. Most people work full-time, and the dates and times of workshops should accommodate their schedules.
Logistics
Careful planning is the key to a successful bale-raising. Adjust your construction schedule to assure that you will be ready in time for the workshop. Make sure everything is on hand at the site (checklist), and that everyone who is going to help is clear about their jobs. The bale-raising itself is best planned by an experienced choreographer, and meeting with wall-captains and supervisors the day before is very helpful. On the day of the bale-raising, be prepared to accommodate children, tourists, local inspectors and builders, and the media--as well as the workshop participants.
BALEraisings!Bale-raisings, where family, friends and neighbors come together to help build a home, are the heart and soul of the straw-bale revival.
Consider organizing a bale-raising party as part of your construction project. All you need provide is some food and refreshments and some adult supervision.
Bale-raisings are hands-on, with minimal
instruction, and are great for gathering friends who just want
to help. They also attract straw-bale enthusiasts who want to
gain experience.
up-coming bale-raisings!
Bale-raisings can be whatever you want them to be. Some people want to invite the entire county to come, learn about straw-bale, and have a roaring good time. Others want a quiet affair with family and friends.
Costs and Fee
Many bale-raisings are free, but some are given for a fee which covers expenses. Food is often pot-luck, with refreshments provided. Sometimes food and refreshments are covered by a fee.
Publicity
How you publicise your bail-raising depends a great deal on how many people you want to come. Sometimes word-of-mouth is sufficient, but for larger events advance publicity--posters and announcements--is important.
Organization
Careful planning is the key to a successful bale-raising. Adjust your construction schedule to assure that you will be ready in time for the workshop. Make sure everything is on hand at the site (checklist), and that everyone who is going to help is clear about their jobs. The bale-raising itself is best planned by an experienced choreographer, and meeting with wall-captains and supervisors the day before is very helpful. On the day of the bale-raising, be prepared to accommodate children, tourists, local inspectors and builders, and the media--as well as the workshop participants.
FindingWorkshop Leaders
You will need an experienced instructor for a workshop. Though not essential for a bale-raising, experienced leaders can be help in making a successful and fun bale-raising. Here are some places to look for one:
The Staff of Skillful Means is experienced in leading workshops and bale-raisings, and we'd be glad to talk with you about your project.
CASBA, the California Straw Building Association, will be giving workshops throughout the year, and can be contacted about organizing a workshop around your project.
We also recommend DeHavillan Workshops. Contact Joanne (520/624-1673) to see if they would be interested in presenting a workshop at your site.
Real Goods sometimes is looking for workshop sites in the Ukiah area of California.