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Golden Cup Homestead Workshops

Golden Cup sponsors workshops in Sustainability in Buildings, Health, and Homesteading
including Natural Building curriculum honoring SunRay Kelley's heritage; cob, strawbale, whimsical roofs;
Movement Therapy; Detoxification and Regeneration; Breathwork, Spiritual Retreats;
Homesteading curriculum, Organic Farming, Permaculture, Biodynamics; Forestry.

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Natural Building

Whimsical Roofs and Enchanting Entrances

​November early Spring, 2025
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Join renowned natural builder Uncle Mud and the cob family for a transformative, hands-on workshop. Learn to create beautiful, sustainable structures using local trees, stones, and earth. You'll build an enchanting entryway/porch that reflects the magic of the environment. This workshop is more than just building; it's an opportunity to reconnect with nature and gain skills to create your own homestead, cottage, or studio.

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Participants will discover how to forgo conventional materials in favor of nature's offerings—round framing timbers shaped by the elements, unique stones for foundations instead of standard concrete blocks, and sculpted walls and benches made from sandy clay. Join us to reconnect with art and nature through hands-on creation.

 

​WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS:

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  • Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience in rubble-trench and stone foundations, round wood framing, and load-bearing and sculptural "cob" style earthen building.

  • Engage with Nature: Explore the forest, meditate, hike, and soak in the tranquility of Golden Cup Wilderness, complete with private camping, a two-story redwood treehouse, and a cob sauna.

  • Sustainable Living: Learn to source materials from the land, turning what’s readily available into functional and beautiful structures.

  • Build Community: Meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for sustainability, homesteading, and natural building.

  • Concise, practical curriculum: This short workshop will cover the natural building skills necessary to create and maintain snug, beautiful buildings of your own from local natural materials.
     

CURRICULUM:

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  1. Foundations: Create strong, stable bases with stone, rubble-trench, and urbanite foundations.

  2. Framing: Use locally sourced round wood timbers to frame structures that blend harmoniously with the environment.

  3. Cob Building: Sculpt walls and benches from sandy clay using your own hands—nature’s original 3D printer.

  4. Shade-tree lecture sessions will include
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SHADE-TREE LECTURES

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  • Building Layout & Design: Understand how to plan and execute sustainable building projects.

  • Material Collection: Learn where and how to source and store materials.

  • Passive solar and Pattern Language design

  • Insulation and thermal mass

  • Budgeting & Scheduling: Manage your project costs and timelines effectively.

  • Dealing with the Building Department

  • Site Safety: Keep your building site safe and compliant.



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WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
 

This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in sustainable living, natural building, homesteading, or simply wanting to spend time in nature learning hands-on skills. Whether you’re planning to build your own home, cottage, or shed, or just looking to reconnect with the earth, playing in the mud in the wilderness with like-minded souls, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration you need.​​

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YOUR STAY:

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  • Included Accomodations: Camping facilities at the site (tent space, outdoor hot showers and toilets, cooking facilities).

  • Available: Deluxe glamping accommodations and limited RV space may be available nearby (additional fee applies).

  • Food: Potluck style with generous offerings from local farm and forest. *Nearest groceries are 30 minutes away, so please, bring everything you need to be full and happy. Our spring water here is great so bring your water bottle.

  • Family Friendly: Children are welcome at a discounted rate when accompanied by parents.
     

​COST & REGISTRATION:

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  • Full Price: $650 USD (after 10/12/2024)

  • Early Bird Rate: $450 USD (before 10/12/2024) – SAVE $200!

  • Early Bird Group Rate: $400 USD per person – Bring your friends and save even more!

  • Daily Rate: $180 USD

  • Half-Price Work-Trade: Available – Email for application details.

 

 

Ready to Build Your Dream?
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and learn valuable skills that will last a lifetime.
Join us at Golden Cup Wilderness and be part of a community that values sustainability, creativity, and the timeless art of building with earth. 
 
See you in the mud!

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today!

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