Mariposa Farms and Ranches

Wild Fire Ranch/Jan DeShera Weaving Studio

 

Wild Fire Ranch is on 87 acres above the small town of Coulterville. It is dryland pasture which means that we rely on seasonal rains to grow grasses for grazing. In the current drought, we are having to buy feed for the flock because our grasses dried up early. There are 20-30 sheep, mainly registered Shetlands, but also a small group of cross breeds that we call the Dopey Boys. There are 2 livestock guardian dogs, one with the ewes and one with the Dopey Boys. On the ranch we have 3 Border Collies: 1 is a trained herding dog, who will be doing demonstrations, and the other 2 are older rescues.

The weaving studio in the main house currently houses 2 AVL looms both of which have a computer design component. Jan weaves with wool yarn from the Wild Fire flock: her own hand spun and mill spun yarns. She also weaves with cotton, hemp, silk, and tencel. On the looms, she creates wearable art garments such as scarves and shawls; and weaves household items such as towels, blankets and throws. She will demonstrate weaving and will have her hand spun yarns and hand woven items on display and available for purchase.

Jan DeShera Weaving Studio Facebook page

Artists, vendors and organizations

Driving directions: From Hwy 49 north, take the first right into Coulterville. It is Merced Street for a short block, but the sign is obscured by a tree. Merced then intersects Ferry Road. Stay on Ferry, cross the bridge over Maxwell Creek and take an immediate left onto Maxwell Street.

Note: The landowner on the corner has posted incorrect signage on the corner of his property. They read PRIVATE PROPERTY NO TRESPASSING and DEAD END ROAD NO TURN AROUND. Disregard the signs – the road is a county road and is not a dead end and you can turn around at many places on it. Be sure to take a wide left turn, because the landowner has also place large boulders on the edge of the road.

Proceed on Maxwell Street until it Ts at Pine Street, which is clearly marked. You can only turn right and take the turn onto Pine. You will drive for a short half block on Pine, pass by Madison Street on your left and go up the slight rise onto our access road – there is a 10228 sign on the gate to the access road.

The road is gravel and very dusty so driving slowly is good to do now.

10228 Pine Street, Coulterville