Traditional Lime Workshop
The Traditional Lime Workshop is a comprehensive, hands-on experience designed for all skill levels and aspiring plaster masters to learn the art of traditional lime plaster wall veneer. Led by the founder himself, Jeremy Mistretta, participants will learn the intricacies of working with New Age Artisans plaster BLENDS. The workshop will allow participants to gain first hand experience in our various applications and techniques. Safety measures, necessary materials, and proper tool usage will be covered, ensuring a safe and enjoyable workshop for all. This workshop is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to expand their skills and explore the world of plaster.
Traditional Lime Workshop


About this workshop
The Traditional Lime Workshop is a comprehensive, hands-on experience designed for all skill levels and aspiring plaster masters to learn the art of traditional lime plaster wall veneer. Led by the founder himself, Jeremy Mistretta, participants will learn the intricacies of working with New Age Artisans plaster BLENDS. The workshop will allow participants to gain first hand experience in our various applications and techniques. Safety measures, necessary materials, and proper tool usage will be covered, ensuring a safe and enjoyable workshop for all. This workshop is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to expand their skills and explore the world of plaster.

Jeremy, a former painter turned plaster enthusiast, dives deep into the history and evolution of the craft. Now known in the artisan plaster community, he shares his creations beyond construction sites.
During the Traditional Lime Workshop, you can expect a hands-on learning experience guided by an expert. The workshop will be divided into several parts, including:
- Introduction to the Trade: Jeremy will begin by providing an overview of plaster, discussing its history, significance, and science.
- Materials and Tools: There will be a thorough rundown of the materials and tools needed for traditional lime plaster, including the proper usage and safety measures.
- Trade Information: We want you to be successful. If you'd like to turn plaster into a career, we will give guidance on the pricing of jobs and cost of start-up.
- Hands-on Practice: Participants will have the opportunity to create their own plaster pieces. Plan to bring home (2) 6" x 6" and (2) 16" x 18" sample boards.
- Care Instructions: You will walk through clean-up, care of tools, and maintenance of finished plaster.
- Q&A: Throughout the workshop, participants can discuss any difficulties they encountered or ask for additional tips and tricks. Collaboration with fellow artisans is highly encouraged!
- Refreshments: Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Athletic Brewing Co. beverages will also be available.
Remember to come with an open mind and a willingness to learn. With Jeremy's guidance, you'll be able to create a beautiful plaster piece by the end of the workshop!
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM Welcome + Coffee & Pastries
Check-in, mingle, grab a bite
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM Introductions + Lime 101
History and chemistry lesson
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM Surface Prep + Mixing
Hands-on segment: prepping surfaces & mixing materials
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Base Coat Application + Tool Techniques
Learn about our favorite tools and lay down your base coat
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Intro to Speciality Finishes + Finish Coat Prep
Differences in approach, slicking techniques, and practice
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM Lunch (provided)
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Finish Coat Application + Sealing Techniques
Apply final layers, soap & wax sealing
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Pricing, Start-Up Costs, & Care Tips
How to price your work, care for tools, and keep surfaces pristine
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM Happy Hour + Networking
Celebrate your first veneer piece, ask final questions, connect with fellow artisans
Accommodations & Travel: When you register, we will send a welcome email with details and suggestions for traveling to Bozeman. You will also receive a special offer for staying nearby our facilities. Keep an eye out for that message!
Recommended Reading: Before attending the workshop, it's recommended that you familiarize yourself with the basics of plasterwork. Books such as "Plastering: A Craftsman's Encyclopedia" and "The Plasterer's Bible" are excellent resources. Reading our Plaster Diaries will also help acquaint you with terminology. The workshop will generally follow the steps outlined in our Traditional Lime Plaster Course.
Safety Measures: Working with plaster can be messy and, without proper safety measures, potentially harmful. It's essential to wear protective clothing, including gloves and safety glasses. A dust mask is also recommended when mixing plaster powder. We will provide you with the proper safety gear but ask that you wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty.
Please note that all the information provided is subject to change based on the nature of the workshop and the materials available.
The Traditional Lime Workshop includes:
- Introduction to the art and trade of plaster: Participants learn about the history, significance, and science of plasterwork.
- Detailed guidance on the materials and tools required for plasterwork: This includes plaster powder, sample boards, mixing containers, trowels, and pigment. Participants learn about the importance of the quality of these materials and tools and how they can affect the final product.
- Comprehensive demonstration of creating a sample board from start to finish: Jeremy Mistretta demonstrates the entire process, giving participants a clear understanding of the steps involved.
- Expansion of skills and understanding: Your instructor will give a brief introduction to the art of tadelakt, an ancient Moroccan technique.
- Hands-on practice session: After the demonstration, participants get the opportunity to create their own samples, applying the skills and knowledge they have acquired.
- Q&A sessions throughout workshop: Participants can discuss any difficulties they encounter during the hands-on session or ask for additional tips and tricks.
- Provision of necessary materials for the workshop: All the required materials for the workshop are provided. You will go home with a list of materials you need to continue your plaster journey and a 10% discount off your first order.
- Provision of safety equipment for the workshop: To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and dust masks are provided.
- Welcome Kit: If you are a new Plaster Portal member, you'll receive the supplemental course workbook and a New Age Artisans branded t-shirt.
For more information about the Artisan Workshop, please contact:
Contact Person: Jeremy Mistretta
Email: hello@plasterportal.com
Address: 515 W Peach St, Bozeman, MT 59715 USA
If you need to cancel your reservation for the Artisan Workshop, please do so at least one week before the workshop begins. Cancellations made after 6/6/25 will be refunded 50% of the workshop cost, the other 50% will go as credit to a future workshop. Please note that if you do not cancel and do not attend, you are still responsible for payment. In the rare event that we need to cancel a workshop for any reason, participants will be notified and offered a full refund.
It is imperative that you attend the workshop in its entirety. This ensures you are receiving all relevant information.
Note: Cost of the workshop does not include travel to and from the destination nor does it cover accommodations during the workshop.