NATURAL PLASTERS
Hands-On Workshop With James Henderson
WHEN: October 6th-10th
WHERE: Parkdale Hood River, OR 97041
Join us in Parkdale, OR for the first in a two-part natural plaster workshop series as we continue building a beautiful 2,000 SF hemp-lime residence, the first permitted of its kind in Hood River County.
This session will focus on applying the base coats of clay and lime plaster, the critical foundation for creating flat, durable walls and preparing for the refined finish coat to be applied in spring 2026. Students may attend this session alone or join both workshops at a significant discount.
This workshop emphasizes both technique and artistry, helping you achieve flat, well-prepared walls that set the stage for beautiful finishes. Participants will gain hands-on experience mixing and applying clay and lime-based plasters while learning how to integrate base coats with hemp-lime construction to enhance durability, and create healthy, breathable interiors.
The workshop will be led by James Henderson: builder, licensed contractor, and internationally recognized natural plaster specialist with over two decades of experience working on natural homes worldwide.
Whether you are a beginner curious about natural finishes or an experienced builder looking to refine your plastering skills, this workshop is a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field while contributing to the creation of an inspiring hemp-lime home.
DATES & DETAILS
Hood River Natural plaster base coats
Workshop Dates:
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1st Workshop: October 6th-10th
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2nd Workshop: Spring 2026
Location:
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HWY. 35, Parkdale, OR 97041 (Specific address provided upon approved registration)
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20 minutes to downtown Hood River, OR
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50 minutes to Portland, OR
Project Features:
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2000 SF single story permitted residence.
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4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, with spacious living room, vaulted ceilings, and a loft space.
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All exterior walls are hemp-lime walls.
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Window seats framed for live edge slabs.
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For more information about this build click here.
Also Included:
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Organic Breakfast and Lunch served daily.
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Car/Tent camping available free on site.
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Outdoor Kitchen
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Outdoor Heated Shower
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Power, Potable Water, Portable Sanitation Units
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RV Spots available upon request.
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Off-Site Lodging available at cost.
For more information about Lodging and the area visit:
Breakfast served daily at 8:00am
Workday ends at 5:00pm
Primary Takeaways
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Mixing and applying natural base coat plasters using clay and lime.
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Techniques for achieving flat, durable walls, creating the foundation for refined finish coats.
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Best practices and design detailing for integrating natural plasters with hemp-lime construction.
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Hands-on training in plaster application methods that balance traditional craftsmanship with modern efficiency.
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Tips and troubleshooting from an international plaster expert, including lessons learned from projects around the world.
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Insight into natural building design and hemp-lime systems directly from the project’s designer and manager, who will be on-site to answer questions about hempcrete construction, detailing, and permitting pathways.
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Networking opportunities with fellow participants, including plasterers and builders with a range of experience levels to share knowledge and techniques.
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Collaborative learning in a real project setting, contributing to the creation of a pioneering 2,000 SF hemp-lime home.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
James Henderson is a builder, licensed contractor, and internationally recognized natural plaster specialist with over two decades of hands-on experience. Originally from Australia, James began in conventional construction before dedicating his career to natural building. Since 2003, he has worked across the U.S. and around the globe, plastering straw bale, light straw clay, cob, Faswall, and hemp-lime homes.
Always seeking better methods, James has trained in natural plasters in Australia, Japan, Portugal, Morocco, New Zealand, England, Estonia, and the U.S. He is the author of Earth Render: The Art of Clay Plaster, Render and Paints, a go-to reference for plaster enthusiasts worldwide, and has contributed articles to The Owner Builder Magazine and The Last Straw Journal.
Today, James is co-owner of NW Natural Homes LLC, a general contracting company based in Port Angeles, WA, specializing in high-performance natural homes, and Gold Hill Clay Plaster LLC, a manufacturer of natural clay plasters. His teaching style blends technical precision with a passion for craftsmanship, making him a sought-after instructor who empowers participants to master both traditional and innovative plastering techniques.
For More information about Jame's work visit:
Cost / COMPENSATIOn
5-Day NATURAL PLASTER Workshop
We believe in creating a learning environment that values both education and expertise. To balance teaching opportunities with the contributions of experienced plasterers, we’re offering a tiered cost structure:
Beginner / Limited Experience
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Cost: $600
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Ideal for those who are brand new to plastering or have limited experience.
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BONUS: Register for this event and receive 70% off on the second part of this series (2026 spring finish coat plaster.)
Intermediate / Moderate Experience (1–2 years)
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Cost: $200
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A chance to deepen your skills while contributing meaningfully to the project and connecting with other plasterers in the field.
Advanced / Experienced (2+ years)
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Compensated participation
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After a short call to assess your background, compensation will be determined based on your skill level and experience.
This structure allows beginner plasterers to learn in a hands-on environment, while also attracting skilled plasterers who can help raise the level of collective learning and craftsmanship during the workshop.
