Learning New Skills & Making Progress Inside the Tiny House - OFF GRID

I've been busy learning a wonderful new thing that's going to help me later on with the shower inside my tiny house barn conversion here in Central Portugal! Plus I keep going with the bottle wall... it's slow but I'm making progress! 😀
Thanks so much to Barbara and Emma for hosting me at Mount of Oaks for a wonderful course and a fabulous meal! It's always wonderful to go there to learn and to be amongst the beauty! If you're interested in knowing more about this amazing place, check out their website - mountofoaks.org
I hope you enjoy this one! Thanks for watching, please consider subscribing if you haven't already. 🙂
Clayfest - www.ebuki.co/events
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If you like my stuff and want to make a contribution, check out my Paypal details below. Also, I post regular updates on Instagram and Facebook so those links are below in case you want to follow me there.
Paypal: paypal.me/travoholic
Instagram: / portugalfromscratch
Facebook: / portugal-from-scratch-...
My Horribly Neglected Website: www.portugalfromscratch.com

[@63Clocks]

Kirsty, every time I see you stand on the chair to reach high places, I get nervous you will fall. Please consider adding a small step ladder to your collection, I hope this donation will help make the purchase💖💖💖

[@PortugalfromScratch]

A very smart idea, thanks so much! I have a ladder that's a bit too large for some things so that's when the chair comes out... I'll have a look for something smaller. Thanks again!

[@eleanorluckhurst9192]

I hope you get recognized for your creative use of natural materials. It would be great to see you in a magazine article.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha, who knows!

[@jennichristie5264]

The paler colour looks a lovely contrast and will nice with the white lime too.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

The colours are beautiful! I'm not sure what I want to do for my shower yet...

[@ruthlarson6334]

10k!!! I raise my glass to you!😊 Embrace the contrasting wood ..I think it will provide the right amount of interest. The grain is beautiful. Bring on the couch. Hoping it won’t call your name too often and delay your projects. 😉

[@PortugalfromScratch]

The grain is so nice! 😀 I'm sure the couch will make a nice place to rest after a long day but I'll hopefully still get a good day of work in first! 😁

[@egoyiboclementinaonwuegbut7331]

The music you used for clay wall build loved it. Thank you for sharing. 😊

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I've used that one a few times and always get positive feedback. 🙂

[@daisysmum7336]

10,000 🎉 🍾 Yay!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😀

[@joanbroadway759]

It's so nice that you have a community nearby to teach and learn new skills. What a great group of people.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I'm very lucky, thanks!

[@private15]

I grew up on an orchard in B.C. neighbours often burned prunings but even back in 1965 my dad would drive over small prunings with the orchard mower and leave it on the ground as mulch. Bigger than one inch branches were saved to burn in wood furnace to heat the house. Even with 20 acres this handled all our prunings for many years. (40 at least.) and built up excellent soil. My dad was environmentally minded before his time. Burning was rarely used to break down large stumps but never for prunings.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

That's very cool to hear! I'll save the bigger pieces to use as kindling which will save me a lot of time later on splitting wood. Olive and fig branches are great for going from the pine needs and pinecone up to larger bits of wood and the smaller pieces make great mulch! Plus the work is tedious but it's a nice thing to do as a break. Win win win! 😀

[@lindavanderschelde5008]

Congratulations. Manu keep the walk simple.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@deborahlee8135]

Oh wow! The tadelac looks like butter! Beautiful texture, and i love that it can be coloured if you choose. I love that you have such an amazing community with such interesting skills to share

[@PortugalfromScratch]

It's wonderful to work with and looks so cool, I think!

[@deborahlee8135]

🎉 congratulations on TEN THOUSAND!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@LindaCuthbertson-el5ys]

Love watching your progress Kirsty. You are doing an amazing job. Love from Glasgow 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿xxx

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks very much!

[@monikacarless_wordwitch]

That technique gives a whole new meaning to spooning! 10k, congrats Kirsty. Well done.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha, yep! It's usually done with a smooth stone but spoons did the trick for us!

[@margjm313]

I actually like the lighter shelf colour, as it contrasts nicely with the rest of the wood. Love the way your place is shaping up.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Ya it sort of does... let's see what the other one looks like, post linseed oil.

[@donnahenderson2676]

I like the lighter wood and the contrast. Smaller diamond shape glass on each side would look great. Even a few less smaller bottles so it doesn’t look so busy. So proud of you reaching 10000 subscribers.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yes I'm thinking fewer small bottles too... I'll get back to work on it tomorrow so let's see!

[@gabrielebehr563]

I can imagine that your bathroom walks/windows will look fantastic.👍

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I hope so!

[@claire1792]

Just to tell you that you are amazing and a big inspiration. ❤🎉❤🎉❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! 😀

[@gracegomes2632]

Congratulations 🎉

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@mafish7962]

Congrats on reaching 10k Kirsty! Have a great week, looking forward to seeing the completed bottle wall! Laura ❤❤❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks so much!!

[@deborahbasel184]

Congratulations 🥳. You made 10K.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I did it! Thanks!

[@lfuentes4098]

I think I saw this method on a KZbin channel called ateliermavi. A young couple are restoring a stone ruin in Italy and called this pastellioni I believe. But it’s a lime waterproof plaster product that was finished with a stone. Very interesting methods. I love the look. I can’t wait to see you do it in your shower. I wonder what color you’ll choose. 😮🤔😊

[@PortugalfromScratch]

It looks great and it's also very tactile, too! You can buy tadelakt mix ready-made... I wonder if that's what it was. I'll check the channel out, thanks!

[@lfuentes4098]

@@PortugalfromScratch they called it something different but I think it was a few coats of a thin plaster looking mixture. It was their most recent bathroom editions.

[@andie1769]

Yes, I think theirs was what we in Oz call Venetian plaster, & Kirsty you said yours was Morrocan technique. They put on lots of layers 7-8 I think, & finished with burnishing with a little granite rock, then sealer on top. Fascinating! Looking forward to your shower project Kirsty. Though, I love all of your projects 😊! Cheers to getting to 10k! Well deserved!🍾

[@mbd6054]

Ten thousand happy subscribers - congratulations and very well done. Thank you for all your hard work bringing us along with you. :)

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yay! My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@anaramos9660]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🥳10K

[@PortugalfromScratch]

🎉

[@jeanrichardson2044]

I don't think the different colours of the wood matters, in fact adds to the charm of your little house. Three glass brick diamonds, would also be nice.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yes it's growing on me, now!

[@jorowe5564]

Congratulations on reaching the 10,000 mark. Do like the diamond bottle with the smaller bottles around it, as it’s not so busy. What about adding some shelves like the other side. Just a little more storage for small bits and bobs.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! I considered shelves but just wanted to get on with the job... you'll see the results in a bonus video this week! 😀

[@kathleenmurray6034]

Congratulations on your 10 k 🎉🎉

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Finally got there, thanks!

[@leea.farruga1834]

Kirsty, Congratulations on hitting 10k!!!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@julietlehrle-fry6696]

I think simple looks great

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Me too, thanks!

[@Marc-mo8bt]

I second that. Too many different forms make it less harmonic. The pattern you finally chose is nice.

[@sherrylawson3258]

Congrats on 10k....onward to 20k!🎉

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Woohoo!

[@virginiajorgensen8614]

I think that the dots and diamond looks good. That will be quite the job making the wooden frame. Simpler also looks good. Congrats on 10k. In the process of working on your home and showing us in your videos you have mastered so many new skills.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks so much! I'll tackle the frame tomorrow and I'm happy I've decided on something a bit more simple. 😁

[@quesnelgirl]

Hi Kristi, congratulations on reaching a huge milestone, well done. Regarding the different colored wood on the shelves, I think it is beautiful to have contrasting colors. It adds interest and shows off your woodworking skills. Maybe your followers could help out with your trip to the UK. Just a thought.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you! I've decided to skip it this year, I think. I need to focus a bit more on saving than on spending... but maybe next year! 😀

[@kathydoran6176]

Ash from the burn piles is usually added to mulch.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Good point! I end up with so much ash over the winter though and usually use it then. But it's not a wasted resource.

[@sashacat53]

Your home is really starting to come together girl. It looks amazing. Well done from me.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Slow and steady... thanks!

[@deborahlee8135]

I absolutely love olive wood for carving spoons ❤❤❤ so that's something worth considering if you get some nice pieces. I guess there is always the wood fire too wirh larger pieces and smaller for mulch. Would be good to have a battery-operated mulcher/chipper in the group tool share.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Olive wood is so beautiful! I've saved some larger pieces from last year but haven't done anything with it just yet. I'm not sure a chipper could be battery operated... they're usually pretty robust machines and the cheap ones aren't so amazing. The best tones run on a tractor... but a small one could be handy. I didn't think to look for a battery one, though! We'll definitely get one eventually. 😀

[@lorimontcalm9086]

It's probably too late, but I'd recommend building a wooden frame around the glass block. That way, you can screw into it. I'm sure it's going to look fantastic. Hugs from 🇨🇦

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Not too late yet... what would I be screwing into the glass block, though?

[@lorimontcalm9086]

@PortugalfromScratch building a frame around it. Seems to me it has a bit of a trough around the block. So using your wood that you are building the slats with build a frame with mitre joints so the corners can be glued together or nailed. That way it gives you something to add screws to to hold onto the clay. I hope I'm making sense!!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Ah! I'm with you now! Yes that was my original plan but then I got bored of making slats! 😁 That would have worked!

[@jackvanleeuwenkamp4706]

10k baby!!! 🙌🏼❤️🇨🇦

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Woohoo! 😀

[@annadaurie2435]

Love that you are working with natural material. Congratulations again on the 10k .

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Me too, I love them! Thanks!

[@angelat4639]

10.000 subscribers!!! Congratulations!!!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@sanjacub]

Finally 10 k! You deserved it.Congratulations.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@nancibishof6462]

I like the final design for the bottles and glass block for your wall. Symmetry is pleasing to the eye. Seems like tadilac is aka Venetian plaster. The small variations in color and sheen you get with the burnishing are really pretty.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Yes they're very similar techniques, apparently. 🙂

[@lisbethsalander8921]

Your little home is a work of art

[@PortugalfromScratch]

It's getting there... thanks!

[@marlenebrown-waterson4422]

Maybe more of that big glass. Two smaller ones, one on each side. Less is more.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Hmm... I also like that idea. It's so hard to make a choice! It's hard to find smaller ones though so I'd have to use big ones and just clay more on top of the glass... I'm not sure three would fit side by side. Let's see!

[@eunicefantasia2403]

Loved your video today. Precious!!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Glad to hear that, thanks!

[@sandramckenzie653]

I envy you your classes on lots of different subjects. When we lived in New Zealand for eleven years there was always different hobbies or classes you could sign up for and I was able to dabble in some pretty interesting subjects. I also learned to knit and crochet from my mother so my life has been greatly enriched by these hobbies. Even now in my 70’s I have knit many lap robes for elderly nursing home friends, do lots of painting, flower arrangements, tea I Hing an elder lady how to plant and care for a vegetable garden. I could go on and on but I love watching you accomplish all your projects. It is so rewarding to be able to create beautiful things. Love your glass and wood project and you have got it just right. Can hardly wait to see the finished projects you have been working on. You will have a beautiful little home when you are done. 🌟🌟

[@PortugalfromScratch]

My mum is a great knitter but I never got into it... crochet looks fun though. I was always more into drawing and painting. 🙂 Thanks! I'm making good progress now, I think!

[@kathleenmurray9096]

Hi Kirsty congratulations on 10,000 subscribers 👏 👏👏👏xxK

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Woohoo, thanks!

[@carollee2078]

Congratulations on 10K!❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you!

[@Reet64]

That Moroccan process looks beautiful. Looking forward to seeing that bathroom of yours finished with that on the walls. Have you decided on a colour?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I was going to be boring and do a creamy white but now I'm wondering about dividing the space up with another colour... partly for it to be more interesting and partly because of the time crunch for finishing this process. 🙂

[@mariadange06]

With age the wood will change to a more orange colour.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Good to know, thanks!

[@avivat3010]

Hey Kirsty! You've created another great video. You're really coming into your own. I love your choices of design. I have great faith that the wall is going to look great. The courses you're taking look really interesting - especially because you're going to be able to apply them to your builds. I look forward to see things completed and the sofa in place. 'Til next week! Best, Angela

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks so much! Sofa is coming tomorrow, I think!

[@avivat3010]

@@PortugalfromScratch YaY!

[@lidijabirsa7768]

Congrats and BRAVOOOO! 10 K! 🎉💪😅

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Woohoo! Thanks!

[@localsouptalks]

👍👍 💥

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😀

[@gypsyfromthevalley3527]

Wooo hooo you hit 10k🎉🎉🎉

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Woohoo!

[@tfuntowatch]

Congrats on 10k

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@kathleenmurray9096]

Hi Kirsty me again. I was thinking about how you could put your bottle design up and then do the cob wall! And I was thinking about nail art pictures. Maybe use string and put more nails in the wooden frame attach the string to them and zig zag it into a mesh. trapping the bottles where you want to place them. I hope that makes sence. Or If you can cob over the wood can't you cut out a thin plyboard square that you could cut out the bottle shapes and fit the bottles in then nails in the wood would attach the cob to the board. ? I hope it gives you an idea! XxKathleen from Greenock

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Ooh both great ideas! I think I'd need wire instead of string but it would work. Or even a wire mesh or chicken wire that I then cut holes into where I want the bottles... perhaps the easiest of all but I guess I was just using what I have and not thinking too much about better options. Some ideas for next time!

[@birgitmadritsch8106]

Congratulation, you deserved the 10K🥰

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@user-xn4ff3ee5p]

I love tadelakt. Great you have those courses there. It's going to look fantastic.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Me too! It's amazing!

[@polgarauk5606]

Wahooooooo 🎉🎉🎉 10k subscribers finally and so deserved 😁😁😁 Congratulations 🎉 The wall is going to look great I like the way you have designed it 😊 That method you learned is quite similar to the method of finishing that Altier Mavi (SP?) used on their bathroom wall. Different materials but same type of smoothing method very interesting and very labour intensive but it will be so worth it 😁 Take care and see you next video 😁😁

[@peterhoogwater4243]

Yes in Spain

[@polgarauk5606]

@@peterhoogwater4243 spain? They are in Italy the couple I mean. Both are architects that have completely restored a stone house using natural materials

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks so much! Yes this technique can even be done with clay plaster... it's very cool!

[@user-yq4rv9ox1s]

I can’t wait for your videos!! You truly are amazing & such an inspiration!! Many blessings & love from Kentucky 🤗🦋🇺🇸

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks so much!

[@63Clocks]

Such progress, well done! ✨✨

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@jacquelinesmyth3167]

Congratulations on 10K you deserve it 🎉🎉😊

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you!

[@gabrielebehr563]

10.000 subs congrats. 🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@fayewhelan7209]

❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😀

[@goodtogo3]

congrats on 10 k

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@janicehoffman8348]

Congrats Kirsty on reaching 10k so happy for you .Luv your videos and the wonderful accomplishments you've made.Oh Hi btw 😊

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks so much!

[@roneldastrydom2077]

Always nice to watch your channel🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Glad to hear that, thanks!

[@michelleellis8201]

I love the look of Cadillac!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Ha! Tadelakt! 😁

[@michelleellis8201]

@@PortugalfromScratch I was wondering about that spelling! 😂😂😂

[@margiemistretta8885]

Two more glass blocks I think it'd be cool

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I thought that at first but they're quite huge and it would be a tight squeeze on the diagonal.

[@margjm313]

And congrats on reaching 10K! 🥂

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you!

[@flowerphotos6440]

Great tadelakt course. Do you know the ratio of lime to mable dust? Congrats on 10,000k.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks! Yep, 50/50, both are sifted first.

[@flowerphotos6440]

@@PortugalfromScratch thanks and have a great weekend.

[@charlenequinilty7252]

Simple is best. Diamond and small round would be my choice

[@PortugalfromScratch]

I agree... maybe fewer round ones. Let's see!

[@PeterPazucha]

I’m confused I thought the reason for burn piles was to remove flammable material from the land before fire season. Doesn’t chipping and using it on the land increase your fire danger?

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Woodchips are often used on garden paths/beds and around trees for mulch which are wetter areas so it's not so crispy. If you spread the chips all over the place in a thin layer then that would be bad I'd think, but generally they're put in thick layers and watered to keep the soil underneath moist for the tree.

[@christinemcginnis5280]

Yay 10k! 🎉🎉🎉

[@Equestrian79]

10k subs - well done!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thanks!

[@trulysuccessful]

Hi again. I was just wondering, I’m just about to start tadelakt on my bathroom. Very hard to find info on doing it without artificial ingredients. Hope you don’t mind me asking a couple of questions. What was the lime plaster mix you used and did you use olive oil soap? I do understand my lime mix will have to be tweaked for my climate. Also did you get the chance to do any on mud bricks or mud plaster. I have mud plaster and lime plaster like you do around my bath. I’ve always thought lime will fall off mud plaster as it has at my place. I thought you could only put lime wash/paint on mud plaster. Sorry for all the questions but I’m finding google no help. No courses around me either.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

No prob! We put the tadelakt onto both mud bricks and mud bricks with a base layer of lime and the mud only one cracked more. We weren’t so accurate with the drying times and could have improved the process but there was a difference between the lime and mud for sure. The mix is 50/50 lime putty and sifted marble dust. I think you can also use agricultural lime. Good luck!

[@ManuelPineiro-dr1oc]

Hi

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Hi!

[@christinamirkovic3857]

Is better to put 3 glass blocks than bottles. Your cabin must have the shape of a house and not to be like gipsies caravan.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

There is no 'must have' in my place... I'm just doing what I feel like.

[@zonnebloem50]

Yesssss 10 K abonnees!!!!!

[@PortugalfromScratch]

😁

[@debravanwinkle3946]

It’s getting interesting as it’s taking shape I’m soooooo excited For you all your hours of dedication and Amazing ideas an what’s the most amazing thing is what you R creating a beautiful natural home setting N such a small space an No way does it look All Crammed 👍👀☀️🫶🏻💐✋🤗🤗🤗✋✋✋✋✋✋🍻😄🪴🌴🌻🌻🌟🔥

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Haha, it feels crammed but once it stops being a building site I think it's going to feel like a great space. Thanks!

[@debravanwinkle3946]

@@PortugalfromScratch O indeed it will ✋👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🌟👀

[@celiapereira5223]

Congrats on your 10k Kirsty 🎊🎉🥳🪅🍾🥂 you so deserve it.

[@PortugalfromScratch]

Thank you!

[@mrsmunchin]

❤

[@PortugalfromScratch]

🙂