Getting Plastered

Before the winter sets in we are determined to get the cobbing plaster completed. We tried some back in August but we found that it dried out too quickly and cracked.

We decided to wait until cooler weather and then the drying process will be slower. 

We set aside the whole day, coming home for a break in between.

 

We find that the cob mixing for a plaster surface is a lot easier than cobbing for the walls. But still hard work.

In the end we managed 6 loads. It spreads over quite a large area.

 

Here is the process.....

Four spadefuls of clay.

Two spadefuls of sand.

 

Chop up the clay lumps finely and add water.

Add the gluten mixture....flour and water heated up.

We hope this will help the permanency.

We cut straw with scissors. We had tried a strimmer before but it made a mess and went everywhere.

This was added to the mix thoroughly.

Then it is time to begin.

I used bare hands as I like to feel as I mould.

We sprayed the previous layers to help link the two together.

Here I am just about to slap on the first load.

We took turns with the mixing.

And we were jolly glad for a teabreak with Paula`s fruitcake.

   

We were pleased with our efforts.

We think we have covered about one third.

A productive day.