What a delight to have a class of 17 students in Deb Byrds class come for a Tour, lunch, and Cob Making activity! Students were delighted to explore the sculptural natural buildings here, the little waterfall stone area, the Rocket Stove Bench, the Hobbit Sauna and Strawbale Studio.
After lunch students arranged in 4 groups to cycle through the process of making an earthen sculpting mix of clay/sand subsoil ! One group dug the earth from the ground, another sifted the earth through an 1/8th inch screen, another mashed lumps of subsoil to powder, and the other added water to sifted soil on a tarp to make COB BALLS! Each group got a chance to try their hand at each of these processes, and then shape the earth into a sculpture.
Upland Hills School is located in the woods about 5 miles directly south of Strawbale Studio. My connection with the school has spanned over 35 years. It is a place of deep connection with nature, honoring the genius of each child! Time is spent in nature every day, in their beautiful wooded environment. They have a High Ropes Course, a dome where they do art projects, greenhouse, solar energy, a theater & more!
When students return to school tomorrow, the teacher, Deb Byrd shared that they will be going out to find their own subsoil, and do this process of making a sculpting mix on their school grounds!
How satisfying for all of us, this day of delight, in the warm sun, on the land, surrounded by enchanting little structures and the enthusiasm of all! Deanne
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