Activism > Housing > Small House Society
Summary. This page provides news and information about Jay Shafer, Proprietor of the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. On 15 July 2010, Jay was featured on the front page of Yahoo with a special edition of Yahoo Second Act Video Originals.
About. Jay Shafer is a social activist who, through his Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, works to improve the world of architecture, housing, art, esthetics, and low-impact community living. Jay simultaneously draws upon his experience and extensive knowledge of music, video, photography, art, politics, public speaking, teaching, religion, history, architecture, and literature. His impact on society is multifaceted and multidimensional. Those who encounter and embrace Jay’s philosophies typically have life transforming experiences that result in improved health, greater creativity, more effectiveness, better relationships, reduced materialism/consumerism, increased wealth, and general transcendence.
The Small House Book. Jay’s newest book, The Small House Book, is now available on the TumbleweedHouses.com website and has received positive reviews among those who have read it.
Learn More. To learn more about the small house movement, visit the Small House Society website.
Testimonial. Below is a testimonial about Jay Shafer from Gregory Johnson, Director of the ResourcesForLife.com website.
“I’ve known Jay since 2001 when I read about him in the Des Moines Register. In 2002, we founded the Small House Society. In 2003, I assisted Jay with the construction of my Mobile Hermitage tiny house, and that summer became one of his first small house customers. The genius behind Jay’s fusion of art and architecture became increasingly apparent over more than 5 years of living in one of his zero-maintenance homes. In addition to being skilled in his profession, Jay is pleasant to be with. He is inspiring, funny, intelligent, passionate, compassionate, caring, and sensitive to the world around him. In the summer of 2008, I had an opportunity to travel with Jay for three weeks as part of the Border to Border Tour. Before the trip, I was concerned about spending such an extended period of time on the road. I didn’t know if the long hours and tight quarters would stress us out. Yet, I discovered Jay was delightful to travel with. What could have been a stressful three weeks turned out to be enjoyable and relaxing. Jay’s chosen circle of friends and business parters, such as Steve Weissmann, are also compassionate, caring, competent, and a pleasure to be around.” – Gregory Johnson, Director of ResourcesForLife.com
Special Video Message. Below is a special 19 July 2010 video message from Gregory Johnson, a facilitator of the Small House Society. For more information about small living, visit the Small House Society.
Media. Below are selected news stories about Jay Shafer and the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company.
CNN, American Morning, 22 October 2008. “Jay Shafer designs tiny homes and has even started a blog about living on less. His homes have a designer feel — interior wood paneling, stainless steel kitchens, built-in bookcases — packed into a space about the size of walk-in closets of upscale homes. His smallest home has 65 square feet; his biggest (a three-bedroom place) has 774 square feet.” [ Article | Video ]- New York Times, 10 September 2008. “In July, Mr. Johnson, who lives in a 140-square-foot house made by the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company of Sebastopol, Calif., took to the road to promote his vision of living small, along with Jay Shafer, Tumbleweed’s founder. The two men drove from Victoria, British Columbia, to San Diego, pulling Mr. Shafer’s house behind them on a trailer.” [ Article ]
- ByDesign – ABC Radio National of Australia. Jay Shafer and Gregory Johnson were joined by Matt Adams in an interview with Alan Saunders, the host of ByDesign. The show aired in Australia on Saturday at 9:00 am, 10 March 2007. [ Audio ]
- Oprah Winfrey, 20 February 2007. “Jay Shafer, founder of the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, says living small is a luxury—and when he says living small, he means it. Jay’s entire house is only 96 square feet!” [ Article | Video ]
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Document History. This document was originally published and posted on 20081024at1431. It was significantly updated on 20100719mo1833 after thousands of people had been visiting our site seeking more information.