When birch bark is harvested at a certain time of the year, it has a very thin layer that oxidizes and turns very dark. This bark is called “winter bark” and is prized for basketry because designs can be scratched into the surface. In this class we will cut and fold “winter bark” into a basket, sew it together with split root, and lash the rim on with black ash splint. After the basket is put together, we will focus on the etched design. The possibilities are endless; the technique is simple. The basketry style being taught focuses on the basic principles of working with birch bark while allowing students to make 1 of 2 different styles of the folded and sewn type baskets.