Working the Wood from the Desert

WE OFFER different types of workshops for almost all ages in which you can learn to create your own musical instruments and crafts. Sharing his extensive knowledge, the artisan Tim Bernhardt (registered in the Andalusian Registry of Artisans), will give you an introduction to the various tools, methods of a responsible manufacturing process and natural oil treatments that he uses in his unique craft.

YOUR CREATIONS will be characterized by excellent quality in unique pieces, sanded by hand and treated with a home made blend of natural oils. TO JOIN US you don’t need any knowledge about woodworking, but what we do welcome is a desire to grow, learn, share and explore.

WE’LL START THE WORKSHOP visiting the Agave Museum, our self-sufficient house which is home to a unique exhibition that reflects more than 25 years in the elaboration of products made with the ‘Wood from the Desert’. In addition you will get to know from its roots the “plant of a thousand wonders”, the tricks of its enormous ability to adapt and survive in desert climates as well as its infinite uses.

Click on the different modalities shown below to find the one that most suites your interests and get in touch to consult prices and specify your customized activity!

Wood Harvesting Workshops

For our work we harvest the wood from different agave species. Each kind has its own characteristics (like colours, smells, durability, etc.); some are better for drum making, others are better for flutes, surfboards, etc. The right time for harvesting is important for the quality of the raw material.

Due to different flowering cycles, we are able to harvest three times a year: in March, May, and September. A special permit allows us to head out into the fields to get the best wood for our artistic creations.

The harvest is always good fun but also hard work, and we need to wear special protection. To replenish our wood stock, our team is always thankful for every helping hand.

So if you want to learn how to harvest and find good quality wood, we will teach you how to distinguish between the different types and how you can find the flower stem that best suits your project. This activity is meant to be an exchange and thus it is free of charge.

Get in touch for further details and information.

Integral Usage of the Agave

In our workshop for the integral usage of agave, we are happy to share our knowledge (partly acquired through the special visit of Don Miguel) to teach you techniques and processes used since generations as a basic element for survival in Mexican culture.

We will teach you how to extract the ‘nectar of the gods’ (Aguamiel), how to make ecological construction and extract the fibres from the leaves (Sisal), how to process agave wood into musical instruments and handicrafts, how to prepare the traditional beer of the Aztecs (Pulque), agave syrup, and much more.

At a time when water becomes an increasingly limited resource, we believe that it is of vital importance to know how to utilize the limited biodiversity that can be found in arid areas.

Due to its broad spectrum of usage and low demand on water and soil fertility, the agave already offers hope and an improved standard of living for millions of people in arid areas around the planet. It can be used for foodstuff, drinks, fibres, construction materials, healthy sweeteners, medicine and much more…