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“Our family (two parents and a teenager) had the most wonderful time... Ziggy and Blain’s thoughtful instruction and encouragement allowed us to be a part of every step of layout, cutting joinery, and even raising the frame. Camping on their beautiful land and April’s amazing home-grown and home-cooked meals brought us together as a group in a really special way. We all came away with so much excitement and invaluable knowledge to continue with our own timber framing projects, not to mention an experience we will always treasure.”

Naomi H.Timber Framing Workshop 2024

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“Ziggy and April host incredible workshops on their farm in Kentucky, I have been blessed to attend two beauty-filled weeks in 2023 and 2024 learning the art and craft of Japanese Carpentry with our amazing Master teacher Yamasan, 10 out of 10!”

Brady K.Japanese Carpentry Workshop 2023, 2024

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“My family comprised three of the fortunate fourteen who attended the Sept. 2017 workshop. Based on our discussions in the days since, I would have to say this was one of our best short vacations ever. April's meals were easily worth the cost of the entire workshop. Ziggy's classes were well organized and included everything from tool selection to cob ovens to finished walls. The tour of four natural houses was amazing. It's one thing to see natural homes on YouTube but an entirely different experience to visit them and have a chance to talk with the inhabitants. Six muddy thumbs up for the entire experience!”

Alan W.Natural Building Essentials 2017

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“We have talked nonstop about the workshop. It was GREAT! We learned a lot and are really inspired. I think that anytime I want to learn something I will start with a workshop… I am recommending your workshop to everyone.”

Callie C.Cob Oven Workshop 2013

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“Loved learning things I never knew before, working with other folks, accomplishing things together that we could not do alone, [and] seeing something big come together before our eyes. Ziggy and April were wonderful organizers and hosts. Lots of thought and preparation!”

Margaret W.Timber Frame Workshop 2013

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“It was a great workshop. I am sure it took a lot of prep time and coordination to make that all happen. (I think I could write a comedy script about all our dietary restrictions.) April created such wonderful meals for us all. Thanks for opening up your home and I really enjoyed getting to meet Hazel and Pug. It was way out of my comfort zone and that is why I did it. I have never camped for that long a time even though I was a girl scout leader for 6 years. I loved it and the experience made me realize that I really need to get in better shape to do the things I want to do in the future. You have a lovely home and we got to see other great homes and farms. Thanks for making all that possible.”

Mary R.Natural Building Essentials 2016

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“In reality, you present so much more than building techniques, although those are important. The weekend afforded me the chance to connect with folks who think alike… getting back in concrete touch with my philosophical roots dating back to times before you all were born. I was truly heartened to be around such a dynamic and motivated and capable group of young folks. It’s easy to get pessimistic when looking at this mess of a world before us. You all breathe hope! Keep up the great work, and many thanks for a great experience.”

Angelo S.Cob Building Workshop 2014

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“I have learned so much during the straw bale workshop. Not only did I learn about how to build a straw bale home but I was also exposed to a different culture that I’m falling in love with every time I encounter like-minded individuals. It’s one thing to go to a workshop but when the facilitators and hosts invite you into their world and make you feel like a family it takes the dynamics of a learning experience to a whole new level.”

Diane M.Straw Bale Workshop 2015

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“The timberframe workshop at The Year of Mud offered everything I needed to wet my feet and gain the confidence to tackle a timberframe project on my own. We learned the basic skills for layout, as well as cutting the joinery using everything from antique hand tools and to modern electric tools. The workshop brought together a great group of folks with diverse skills and we enjoyed the wholesome food, beautiful setting, and rigorous building schedule. Many thanks Ziggy!”

Christoph H.Timber Frame Workshop 2018