Clay finishes
Tutvustus
Teemadeks on:
- Visiting the Dance Celebration July 4 (Tallinn)
- Visiting the procession and Song Celebration’s opening July 5 (Tallinn)
- Visiting the Song Celebration’s main concert July 6 (Tallinn)
- Workshop "Clay finishes" July 7-12 (Mooste)
Clay finishes + Song and Dance Celebration
The Estonian Song Celebration, also included in UNESCO listed treasures, is a 156 year old tradition. Taking place every five years in July simultaneously with the Estonian Dance Celebration and involving thousands of choir singers and dancers. You are welcome to join us at Estonia’s largest and most important cultural event.
“Clay finishes” is a 6-day practical training course that focuses on the final finishing of various substrates (plaster surfaces, plaster boards) with decorative clay plasters, clay finishing and gloss putties. Program is filled with lectures, presentations, practical activities, tours and discussions.
Scroll down to see: Song and Dance Celebration info, workshop topics, evening entertainment options, accommodation and catering options, workshop schedule, location and registration info.
Arrival and accommodation in Tallinn
July 3-6, 2025
If you would like to join us in taking part in Estonia’s largest cultural event and visiting the Song and Dance Celebration, we recommend arriving in Tallinn on July 3. We recommend booking your accommodation in Tallinn from July 3 to 6 (we will leave Tallinn on the evening of July 6).
Options for finding accommodation in Tallinn:
Dance Celebration
July 4, 2025, 11:00 am, Ticket price: €69
An artistic director is chosen for each celebration who creates the theme and the story to be told with the performance. Every celebration is assigned a specific theme that is symbolic to the time we live in and to what society is coping with. The production of the Dance Celebration follows this theme and narrates a story via dancing. The theme of the 2025 celebration is “Kinship”. The three dance performances of the dance festival are identical. They tell the story of a family reunion. The stadium fits only about 10,000 spectators in addition to the approximately 10,000 dancers, dressed in folk costumes, perform on the Tallinn Kalev Central Stadium, creating beautiful colorful human patterns during the performances. The best place to see the performances is from the upper level seats. Tickets sell out just within few hours at the beginning of the year. We´ve booked tickets for you on the upper level seats. Click to see what to expect.
Song Celebration and the procession
July 5, 2025, 1:00 pm Grand procession (free)
July 5, 2025, 7:30 pm Song Celebration’s opening €11
July 6, 2025, 2:00 pm Song Celebration’s main concert €11
The tradition of nationwide song festivals in Estonia was established by the first general song festival, held from June 18th to 20th, 1869, in Tartu. The venue of the Song Celebration is the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. The Song Festival Grounds fit up to 100,000 people. The performers sing under an arch, that carries sound evenly over the whole spectator area. One of the highlights of the Song and Dance Celebration is the procession, which passes through the main streets of Tallinn and reaches the Song Festival Grounds. All performers attend the procession while thousands of spectators cheer the singers and dancers along the 5 km route. Click to see what to expect.
Departure from Tallinn and arrival in Mooste
July 6, 2025 late at night
We will leave Tallinn by cars after the song festival and arrive in Mooste late at night, it is a 2,5-3 hour drive. We will settle you in accommodation buildings and rest up to start training the next day.
If you don’t join us for the Dance and Song Celebration, you can travel to Mooste earlier. See the location and how to get here
Workshop “Clay finishes” July 7-12
Workshop topics
Workshop “Clay finishes” focuses mainly on application methods. In this 6-day practical workshop we will cover all the necessary basics of why, how, and where to use decorative clay plaster, putties and paint. We will talk about different base surfaces, plaster systems, preparation works and tools, finishing materials and techniques, and maintenance.
The workshop is suitable for people who have no previous experience with clay plaster as well as people who already have some experience and wish to receive further training.
We will work on specially prepared sample boards, stands and wall surfaces. Participants are free to take the results of their experimentations with the materials with them. Any materials and tools necessary for further independent experimentation can be purchased at a discount price set for the participants of the workshop.
UKU Pure Earth supports the training with materials.
Decorative clay plasters
Decorative clay plasters are an elegant way to finish any full plastering system, but also are brilliant products to break into the field of mainstream finishing.
The application on drywalls is quicker than usual gypsum fillers, plasters and paint, no sanding or additional paint layer is needed. Soft and warm clay tones create a cozy atmosphere in both historical and modern interiors.
Decorative natural additives, such as marble, straw, flax, seashell, fuchsite, crystals and precious stones, provide an opportunity to create an even more personal finish.
We will practice and talk about preparation works, different substrate, colour mixing, tools, application, finishing and maintenance of fine finish clay plasters.
Matte, satin and glossy clay finishes
Inspired by thousands of years of Japanese and Italian masters’ techniques and materials, modern clay finishing and glossy putties are like a work of art, whose unique patterns create a luxurious atmosphere with just a few thin layers and mixing with colored clays allows you to create an endless choice of shades.
According to the technique and material selection, the finished result can be textured, matte, silky satin or high glossy versatile pattern.
Clay putties have very good surface strength and adhesion. They are ideal for dry interiors for decorative finishing of walls, ceilings as well for ovens and even earthen floors, when oiled and waxed appropriately.
We will practice and talk about preparation works, different substrate, colour mixing, tools, application, finishing and maintenance of clay putties.
Colour theory
Traditional, hand-coloured clay plasters have been joined by industrially-manufactured high quality clay plasters. Interior design with clay plasters, clay colors and brush renders have gained in popularity.
Producing good design solutions requires a broad and detailed knowledge of color and room design. This includes knowledge of the effects of colors and contrasts, the influence of light, of surface division and accents, as well as options for the treatment of surfaces.
From draft stage to completion, plasterers can extend their field of activity in a creative direction, by making or varying mixtures themselves using color or texture enhancing additives.
As we would like to keep the training course mainly practical, the colour theory materials will be sent to participants after the course.
Evening entertainment options
Lecture and tour of Eestimaaehitus building
Our center is located in Mooste manor complex, in an old stable and carriage house, built in 19th century. It is a heritage building and a cultural monument.
Preparations for renovation project started in 2016, construction work started in 2018 and in 2020, we opened here a Training, Product Development and Competence Center for Ecological Building.
We will talk about the renovation process of our building and show the different solutions used, and introduce what our organization and its members are doing, and what opportunities the center offers.
We will take you on a tour of our competence center building, where you can see plenty smaller and full-scale natural building and finishing techniques and solutions.
Walk in nature
The forest has historically fed and offered shelter to Estonians, whose roots are deeply embedded in the nature’s soil. While many Estonians today lead a busy suburban lifestyle, they continue to seek the forest as a place to rest and reinvigorate the body and the mind. Forest is recognized as a recurring theme in Estonian folklore, inspiring storytellers and painters that have produced beautiful landscapes. No doubt, the course week will be intensive and flooded with lots of information, so let´s treat our bodies and minds with a nice walk in nature.
The most pristine and untouched beauty of Estonian nature is hidden in bog landscapes, which are scarce in the rest of Europe. Valgesoo is the smallest but the most fascinating bog in Põlva County; it conceals tiny bog islands, colonies of ants and hiding places of animals.
The two Taevaskoda outcrops on the banks of the ancient valley of the Ahja River are one of the most frequently visited sites in southern Estonia.
Earth building tour
Earth buildings are found all over Estonia, yet South Estonia is home to the largest concentration of them. Attractive red ochre buildings are abundant in the region.
The buildings have been erected for different purposes: there are manor houses and residential buildings, but different outbuildings stables, barns, granaries, smithies and even saunas dominate the scene.
We will take you on a short tour in the area and visit some traditional and modern earth buildings.
Tour of Mooste manor complex
Eduard von Nolcken made Mooste’s manor complex one of the most charming of its kind in Southern-Estonia. It is also one of the newer manor complexes in Estonia.
The manor’s heimat-style main building was built in 1909 following the project by August Reinberg. The two-story building has a slate roofing and plenty of cornices and dormers, as well as many other characteristically complicated and decorative details.
What makes Mooste manor special in addition to the stately main building, is the grand complex of well-preserved outbuildings. They are mainly built from granite with brick embellishments. The spacious complex is surrounded by a beautiful granite wall, which has sumptuous gates and is crowned with a bell-tower on one of its corners. The outbuildings are also eye-catching and gorgeously decorated.
Relaxation in the Mooste manor spa
Another option to allow the body, soul and spirit refreshing relaxation is to visit the Mooste manor spa. Located on the lower floor of Park House, the guest house of the Mooste distillery,
Located on the lower floor of Park House, the guest house of the Mooste distillery, Manor Spa offers refreshment for both body and mind.
Scandinavian bright and green interior, forest-scented steam and iridescence of nature sounds, provide the best relaxation. In the spa, you can enjoy a sauna with Saunum heater, a steam bath, a jacuzzi bath and boost your health in the salt chamber.
To get the best experience, it is possible to order various massages and body treatments before or after the sauna.
Dorodango meditation
Dorodango is a Japanese art form in which earth and water are combined and moulded, then carefully polished to create a delicate shiny sphere.
Making dorodango is a traditional pastime for Japanese schoolchildren. This seemingly simple art form combines the classical elements, manual activity, presence in the moment, and a kind of meditation that simultaneously, calms, develops and creates something very special and beautiful.
Reading and lectures
There is a small thematic bookshelf in the Eestimaaehitus building, where you can take something you like to read and find a nice place in the building to enjoy it.
If there are people who want to, we can enjoy thematic short films together in our seminar room or make additional presentations on ecological construction topics that interest you.
Leaving Mooste and visit to Hobukooli Park
July 13 – Sunday special
If you manage to book your flight back in the evening of Sunday, we truly recommend a visit to Hobukooli Park on your way back to Tallinn Airport.
Hobukooli Park is a truly inspirational place, worthy of visiting by everyone who appreciates ecological building methods and lifestyle principles.
Amazing nature, countless numbers of buildings and facilities made of natural materials, and of course the unbelievably energetic and always kind host family.
Trainers
Martin Hütt
Trainer in Eestimaaehitus. He is the founder and plasterer of Stuko OÜ. He has long-term experience in the production and development of natural materials. Today he is mainly devoted to fine finishing and decorative works with clay and lime plasters. His favorites include Venetian plaster and tadelakt.
Mikk Luht
Founder and board member, trainer and project manager of the Competence Center for Ecological Building – Eestimaaehitus. He manages sectoral planning, design and construction projects and represents the international brand ©EcoCocon in Estonia.
Accommodation options
Mooste Manor Mill Theatre
The former manor mill is located 400 m from our building. This is the cheapest choice among accommodation options. The rooms, toilet and shower are shared with other training participants who may choose this accommodation. You can use second floor of the house, where is two bedrooms: one with 5 single beds and one with one double bed. In the living room there is 4 single beds, kitchen and TV corner. Outside you can also use BBQ area and for extra cost hostess can heat up sauna for you.
NB! There is also cat living on the property, if you have a cat allergy, this may not be the best choice.
Overnight stay for training participants €15,00/person. Breakfast at the Distillery restaurant €10,00 or you can prepare your own in the kitchen.
Accommodation information and booking at karinneedo@gmail.com with keyword CLAY FINISHES 2025.
Mooste Distillery Park House & Spa
The former manor dairy located right next to the main building of the Mooste Distillery and 160 m from our building, today offers a great opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, rest in comfortable guest rooms and enjoy the pleasures of a natural spa in private. Two separate apartments and four beautifully furnished rooms comfortably accommodate 18 people.
Overnight stay with breakfast at the Distillery restaurant for training participant *30,00€/person.
*Price is valid for booking the entire training course week and rooms are shared. If you want more privacy, you must book the entire room or choose something suitable from the Distillery hotel, see below.
Accommodation information and booking at info@viinavabrik.ee with keyword CLAY FINISHES 2025.
Mooste Distillery Hotel
The beautifully renovated Mooste Distillery is located right on the shore of Lake Mooste and 250 m from our building.
Participants who prefer more private accommodation can stay in the dignified renovated Mooste Distillery Hotel. The cozy guest rooms each have a different style.
With respect for what once happened here, they elegantly combine a historic setting with modern comforts. Private entrance and exit for guests on the hotel floor.
Overnight stay with breakfast €85,00-€149,00/in room for two.
Accommodation information and booking info@viinavabrik.ee with keyword CLAY FINISHES 2025.
Catering options
Love goes through the stomach
We have lunch and dinned in the Mooste Distillery restaurant. They offer food that is mainly made from carefully selected local ingredients. The restaurant prefers naturally grown products from small producers. A two-course meal costs €18.
At lunch, we eat a lighter meal and dessert so that we can maintain freshness and concentration also afternoon, and a more substantial meal in the evening to restore the daily energy expenditure in a dignified manner.
After registration, we will send you a questionnaire where we ask you to indicate whether you would like to eat lunch and dinner, and ask for information about possible diets, allergies and intolerances.
But you can also bring your own food basket and have a nice picnic in Mooste manor park.
Location and how to get here
Eestimaaehitus – Competence Center for Ecological Building
Workshop takes place at Competence Center for Ecological Building
Location: Mõisahoovi tee 5, Mooste, Põlva County 64616, Estonia
By bus from Tallinn Coach Station
Bus from Tallinn Coach Station to Tartu Coach Station
Bus from Tartu Coach Station to Mooste
By bus from Tallinn Airport
Bus from Tallinn Airport to Tartu Coach Station
Bus from Tartu Coach Station to Mooste
CLAY FINISHES INDICATIVE SCHEDULE
Monday July 7, 2025
| 09.30 | Gathering |
| 10.00 | Welcome, presentation of the day’s agenda, introduction |
| 10.30 | Introduction to clay finishes |
| 11.00 | Safety, preparations and tools |
| 12.00 | Lunch |
| 13.00 | Decorative clay plaster application |
| 15.00 | Paus |
| 15.15 | Different textures |
| 17.15 | Clean up & sum up |
| 17.30 | End of the first day of the workshop |
| 18.00 | Dinner |
| 19.00 | Evening program |
Tuesday July 8, 2025
| 08.30 | Gathering |
| 9.00 | Presentation of the day’s agenda |
| 9.05 | Different base surfaces |
| 10.30 | Paus |
| 10.45 | Decorative clay plaster application |
| 12.00 | Lunch |
| 13.00 | Decorative clay plaster application |
| 15.00 | Paus |
| 15.15 | Different textures |
| 17.15 | Clean up & sum up |
| 17.30 | End of the second day of the workshop |
| 18.00 | Dinner |
| 19.00 | Evening program |
Wednesday July 9, 2025
| 08.30 | Gathering |
| 09.00 | Presentation of the day’s agenda |
| 09.05 | Preparations and tools |
| 09.30 | Matte and textured finishes with clay putty |
| 10.30 | Paus |
| 10.45 | Matte and textured finishes with clay putty |
| 12.00 | Lunch |
| 13.00 | Matte and textured finishes with clay putty |
| 15.00 | Paus |
| 15.15 | Matte and textured finishes with clay putty |
| 17.15 | Clean up & sum up |
| 17.30 | End of the third day of the workshop |
| 18.00 | Dinner |
| 19.00 | Evening program |
Thursday July 10, 2025
| 08.30 | Gathering |
| 09.00 | Presentation of the day’s agenda |
| 09.05 | Preparations and tools |
| 09.30 | Satin and glossy finishes with clay putty |
| 10.30 | Paus |
| 10.45 | Satin and glossy finishes with clay putty |
| 12.00 | Lunch |
| 13.00 | Satin and glossy finishes with clay putty |
| 15.00 | Paus |
| 15.15 | Satin and glossy finishes with clay putty |
| 17.15 | Clean up & sum up |
| 17.30 | End of the fourth day of the workshop |
| 18.00 | Dinner |
| 19.00 | Evening program |
Friday July 11, 2025
| 08.30 | Gathering |
| 09.00 | Presentation of the day’s agenda |
| 09.05 | Group work (paus at the suitable moment) |
| 12.00 | Lunch |
| 13.00 | Group work (paus at the suitable moment) |
| 17.15 | Clean up & sum up |
| 17.30 | End of the fifth day of the workshop |
| 18.00 | Dinner |
| 19.00 | Evening program |
Saturday July 12, 2025
| 08.30 | Gathering |
| 09.00 | Presentation of the day’s agenda |
| 09.05 | Decorative techniques and special works |
| 10.30 | Paus |
| 10.40 | Decorative techniques and special works |
| 12.00 | Lunch |
| 13.00 | Decorative techniques and special works |
| 15.00 | Paus |
| 15.10 | Decorative techniques and special works |
| 17.00 | Clean up & sum up |
| 17.15 | Sum up of the workshop, feedback, certificates |
| 18.00 | Dinner |
| Sauna & chill |
Sunday July 13, 2025
| A visit to the Hobukooli Park for those who are interested |
INFORMATION
Organizer: Eestimaaehitus – Competence Center for Ecological Building
Location: Mõisahoovi tee 5, Mooste Manor, 64616 Põlva County, Estonia
Language of the workshop: English
Participation fee: €732 (VAT included). NB! When registering, indicate whether you want an invoice for a private person or a company.
Number of participants: min 6 / max 12
Safety: bring your working clothes and footwear, proper mask if you are sensitive to dust.
Information: tere@eme.ee +372 56 226 066
Accommodation: options are described in accommodation section above Catering: options are described in catering section above
Teised Avalikud koolitused
Koolituste sari “Disainist Teostuseni”
Aeg: 15.02.2025 - 18.05.2025
Toimumise koht: Hobukooli, Koordi küla, Paide linn, Järvamaa
Mikromaja ehitus
Toimumise koht: Hobukooli Park, Koordi küla, Paide linn, Järvamaa
Teemad:
- - I Moodul "Põhupakkide pressimine" 24.-25. mai 2025
- - II Moodul "Mikromaja ehitus" 30. mai - 1. juuni 2025
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Kontakt
Eestimaaehitus MTÜ
E-mail: tere@eme.ee
Telefon: +372 56 226 066