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Basketry

Birch Bark Boxes: Scandinavian Bark Basketry

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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.

Dates

Cancelled
Thu, Jul 23rd, 2020  –  Sun, Jul 26th, 2020

This course has been cancelled to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19. We offer our deepest apologies. We truly believe in the power of craft to build community, and we know that community is needed more than ever in times like these. However, the need to stay healthy and protect our friends and neighbors is the most critical priority.

If you were registered for this class, you should have received an email regarding your refund options. If not, please call us at 218-387-9762 or email us at info@northhouse.org.

Click here for additional information.

We truly hope to see you in another class at North House soon!

Course Details

Length: 4 Days
Skill Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Hours: 9am-5pm
Intergenerational age: N/A
Tuition: $410.00
Materials fee: $30.00

Required

You will need the following tools for this class:

Instructor will supply a number of specialty tools for the class, however, you should bring the following:

  • Sloyd knife (Mora 120 or 106)
  • Scissors
  • 16” -24” ruler
  • A few clothes pins/ clips
  • Small 8 ounce or less hammer
  • Pliers with a side nipper
  • Square or triangular bladed awl
  • Pencils
  • 4-in-1 rasp

Optional Tools

  • large clothes pins (4 to 6)
  • carving hook or gouge (strongly recommended, but not required)
  • sharpening stones
  • small ball peen hammer (no more than 12 ounces)
  • smallest can or jar of contact cement you can get.

More Information

Once registered, students will receive a confirmation email with further class information. Please call us if you haven't received it within 24 hours.

Latest Update: View recent changes →

Meet the Instructor

North House Folk School photo of instructor, Fred Livesay
Fred Livesay
St. Paul, MN

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Birch Bark Boxes: Scandinavian Bark Basketry - 7/23/2020