Mud Bricks for the Making

After the slab was poured (2011), Mr I want to build a Straw Bale House, was pretty proud of the action so far. Me on the other hand thought it would never happen. Friends were invited for the long weekend in March 2012 to make some mud bricks which was planned for an internal wall. At this stage there were no walls, roof or any sign of anything else. The mud brick making weekend arrived and yes over 130 mud bricks were made. Some of our wonderful helpful friends ensured the pile of dirt, that was excavated for the house site, was dwindled down and a pile of bricks was created as the consequence.

The Saturday was the woman's day. 6 of us making bricks having a guess at the recipe and consistency that may produce a workable brick. Of course there was consultation and discussion especially in regards to the mixture. In addition there were lots of accolades and totally a great job. Mr I want to build a Straw Bale House had done some washing and hung out our smalls and other clothing just metres away from the mud making area (I don’t think anyone noticed). I was worried about our clothes being on display net alone the slab was prepared for being polished. This entails the top layer of the concrete slab being shaved off. Concrete dust in the air and piles of concrete lime to use in the mixture was left. The 1st cut exposing the marbles, smashed beer and wine bottles and the opals that Mr I want to build a Straw Bale House had scattered during the pouring of the slab. Very pleased.

The 2nd day the woman who had made bricks the previous day were designated the experts. Until - da da da da!!!! after making a few bricks and some lively competition / perfection we had at least 10 experts. Got love that. The brick making continued. Using people’s expertise and availability there were a number of jobs being

undertaken. Mud brick making of course, sanding and stripping of paint from 2nd hand windows and major repairs to some windows that we purchased that were quite rotten. On the Monday more of the same and the frame started to go up.

I thought it was great for our guests to see progress on the house as they made bricks and assisted with the erection of the frame. 130 bricks and only about 250 to go.