How to Use Clay For Architectural Art in Your Backyard - My Permaculture Cob Oven Art Project

A few years ago I interned at a permaculture farm in the Bay Area, learning the ways of the land. We had been digging a lot of holes under the hot summer sun and were ready for a less labor-intensive job. Massey, the owner of the farm, gave us the task of "beautifying the cob oven", so off we went to experiment!

We first re-plastered the cob oven, because it was worn out by the rains of last winter. This needs to be done one time per year. The cob is made out of sand, clay, water, and chopped stray.

We then decided to get creative and use a finer, different color clay to decorate the oven. The clay was a combination of finely sifted dried horse manure, clay powder, water, and fine straw.

If you are inspired to try this in your backyard, here are the instructions: First, etch a design into your oven (or other workspace). Then begin to take small chunks of the clay and roll it into a snake like shape, about the width of a pencil. Then, use your thumb and forefinger to pinch the clay onto the oven. The end should be pointed, but make sure the overall roll is sloped down so that the rainwater can roll off easily. Use dabs of water for easier shaping and for pressing the edges of the clay onto the oven.

We finished off our design and wanted a clean look for the whole oven. To do the same, mix some clay powder that is the same color as the oven with some water. Use a paintbrush or sponge to paint it onto the oven, painting around the new clay design to give it a clean appearance.

We were happy with our design and ready to enjoy the fruits of our labor...cob oven PIZZA! (with of course basil from the garden!)