EARTH ART AND FOODS
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The cold weather brought us inside to
work on the insulation.  We used the
rolled fiberglass insulation as they were
substantially cheaper compared to the
precut type.  All one needs to cut the
insulation to size is a measuring tape,
utility knife and a hard surface to cut the
insulation on.  Staple the insulation on the
inside of each stud and make sure the
wiring runs in front of it.
Next was the dry wall installation.  
We used 1/2 inch drywall and cut
them to size.  Since it is not a
good idea to have drywall jointing
together around the doors and
windows, we placed full sheets of
drywall over the doors and
windows and cut out the openings
with a jigsaw.  We chalk lined
were the studs run and used 1-1/4"
screws, 8" apart to install the
sheetings.  
After taping all the joints with fiberglass tape, we covered all the
screws and the joints with plaster.  
Here is the finished wall.  You may
have to allow two or three days,
depending on temperature and
humidity before applying primer.
Next, as Peggy applied the
base color, I marbleized it
with another color.  We
didn't want the walls to
look like marble but rather
an old mud wall you see
in Venice Italy or in a
French village  
To marbleize with this method, you must
ensure the base color is still wet as you
apply the secondary color.  If the base
color dried, the secondary color will look
like paint over paint as it will not fade
into the base color.  The idea is to do one
small section at a time and take your time
working the paint in.  
Page 2
Next was the plastering of
the walls.  After sampling
several methods of
plastering, we came up with
a method that created a very
unique pattern which we
both liked.  It took about
twelve boxes of mud to
finish the bottom shop and
the addition to it.
We made this box to hold a box of mud.  When
you open the box, work the plastic that holds the
mud around the box and pull it all the way
down.  Next, turn the box upside down and lift
the box up. You should end up with all the mud
on your box with nearly no waste.  Mixing the
mud as you go before applying it will provide a
much better adhesion and evenness.