Course
Birch Bark Boxes: Scandinavian Bark Basketry
Course Overview
Scandinavians and Russians commonly kept small, flat birch bark boxes in their pockets in the 18th and 19th century for the then-popular taking of snuff. Larger finger and lap jointed boxes often held coffee, tea or salt. Today they continue to be made and hold keepsakes, buttons, spare change, jewelry, dried fruits, oatmeal or a child’s found treasures. You will discover how to make these useful and decorative boxes following time-tested traditional techniques and with a few new and surprising methods, too. This four-day intensive class for beginners or returning students will cover the ecology and harvest of the birch, bark preparation, methods of proper layout and decoration and instruction on making various types of bases and lids. Come and be amazed by what you can do.