Paper Bag Floors

Paper Bag Floors
Paper Bag Floors

“Those of you that are looking for an affordable, attractive, totally doable flooring solution have come to the right place! I wanted to do paper flooring, mostly because it was cheap and I thought it looked great. But mostly because it was cheap. My boys room is about 10 x 12 and I did the whole thing for about $80, but I have enough supplies left over that the next room will cost about $30. Most of you are probably wondering what the heck paper on a floor looks like and I don’t blame you, it’s kind of a weird idea. Here is what the finished product looks like…”

Read more

Earthbag Pump House Finished

Earthbag pump house and tool shed
Earthbag pump house and tool shed

We finally got our pump house plastered at our homestead. We waited until after the rainy season to make sure the bags were dry. It’s looking pretty good considering the whole thing only cost about $200-$300. We had bags, salvaged wood and old roofing tiles left over from previous projects. The door and cement plaster were the only significant expenses.

Read more

Introduction to Earthbag Course in Joshua Tree, CA

United Earth Builders earthbag workshop in Joshua Tree, CA
United Earth Builders earthbag workshop in Joshua Tree, CA

Hello All! We are holding an Introduction to Earthbag Course in Joshua Tree, CA on the 25th of January at 9am-5pm. We will be giving basic information about the techniques, design, and creative properties that earthbag construction entails. Please join us if you can to enjoy the day (it’s always sunny in the desert.) Also see our links below to keep updated with what is going on in our neck of the desert; and sometimes woods.

Read more

Max, Nebraska: No Local Government


We often suggest moving to rural areas with few or no building codes to cut housing costs and red tape. This video sums up how one small town in Nebraska operates with no local government. The narrator (McCook’s Mr. Bill or Donze52) tells it like it is.

“More government means less freedom & more taxes – that simple.”

Read more

Old-fashioned Pole Barn Structure for the Small Farm

“As progress continues on the new workshop, Pa Mac demonstrates how he constructs the framework for his pole barn type structure. Visit Farm Hands Companion to find articles, posts, photographs, and encouragement for today’s self-sufficient farm.”

Read more