Workshops & Classes
Ready to connect with your inner herbalist? Step into nature and the art of handcrafting with Rebecca. A workshop at R&J Riverbrook Farm in the countryside of Newberg, Oregon is a fun way to learn something new and get people together for a special occasion or just because!
How does it work? Simply decide upon the experience that you are interested in and fill out the Workshop Sign Up Form below. We’ll look at the days and times you prefer as well as any specific date you have in mind. We’ll contact you to schedule and send you a link to pay your workshop fee.
Medicine of place
Join me in the forest and gardens of R&J Riverbrook Farm and discover the medicine of place. One of my first herb teachers said the best medicine is growing right outside your door. From the humble Dandelion, forest natives and cultivated medicinals in our gardens, we have evolved with plants.
Experience seasonal medicine crafting from June through October in my forest and medicinal gardens. Plan to meet once a month in person to study and get to know one or two plants growing in season. Learn to identify the plant, learn its energetics, its taste, organ affinity and the best method of preparation. We’ll create a monograph and study the plant for the entire month. If the group would like more instruction, we could meet on a Zoom platform later in the month. The first class is tentatively set for June depending on interest and the group’s availabilty.
Class duration 2+ hours and will be limited to 6 persons
A class syllabus is available upon request. Class supplies, time and address will be sent when you register.
$45 for each class/work trade considered for part of class fee.
I have been studying and working with plants for over 20 years with certifications from the School of Evolutionary Herbalism with 172 hours in Medical Astrology and Vitalism. I also completed a 2 year study with Rosemary Gladstar, an 8 month study with Pam Montgomery and many online hours with Tammi Sweet and many other well known herbalists. I have been living in relationship with the plants of this land since 1998 and this offering is my give back to the plants for their generosity.
Questions? Please feel free to contact me.
PLANT EXTRACTION WORKSHOP
In this hands on workshop we’ll explore different methods of plant extractions. The constituents in plants require different menstrums depending on the product we’re wishing to create. Water is a familiar extraction method and we know this as a tea or an infusion. Vinegar extracts minerals and oil and alcohol extract resins along with other constituents. Gylcerites are sweet and are often used for children and people who don’t tolerate alcohol. Oil extractions can be made into salves, lip balms, used in soap making or made into body butters or lotions. Alcohol extractions or tinctures are commonly used as medicine. While herbal knowledge is a life long practice, this workshop will give you some simple basics to get you started on your journey into plant extractionss.
The workshop will cover each of the menstrums mentioned above and the reasons we may chose them. In our time together, we will create an alcohol extract with plant material growing on our botanical sanctuary farm. A glycerite or oil extraction can be substituted if alcohol is not an option for you. Just let me know when you book the workshop.
All materials will be provided and each person will leave with a plant extract. Tea will be available to sample.
Minimum of two people to book the workshop with a maximum of six.
$59 per person
$75 to book a private session.
Class is approximately 2 hours
Questions? Please feel free to contact me.
Soap Making Workshop
$150.00
In this hands-on, supervised class, you will make a one pound batch (approx 42 oz) of goat milk soap using the cold process method. I will go over the basic safety instructions for handling lye prior to starting our workshop. Instructions will cover using lye and fragrance calculators, saponification tables, colors and botanicals. Then you will select your essential oils, colorants and botanicals and begin making your soap.
All materials and ingredients are provided, except your molds and an apron. After class, you’ll take your soap home, slice into bars, cure and be on your way to being more self-sufficient in making cold process soap. Your soap will be ready to use or give in 4-6 weeks. Making your own soap is a creative and useful skill and once you learn the process, you can make your own bars of natural soap for personal use or to give as gifts. This workshop is approximately 2 hours of soap making and answering your questions.
Classes are held in my farm kitchen. Please bring your own soap molds, a link for a loaf mold will be sent via email when you book. Wear long pants, long sleeves and closed toe shoes, bring an apron, and a cardboard box for transporting your soap home. This workshop is fun to share with one or two friends or as a private session. If more than three people will be in your group, I recommend adding another soap batch for an addition $75.
This class is recommended for adults and children over the age of 12 accompanied by an adult. Please reach out if you have questions.