About

This basket comes from a long tradition of weaving birch strips to create useful and handy vessels. After generous oiling, this basket was used historically to bake loaves of bread when other vessels were not available.

You'll first learn to "read" sheets of birch, and how to cut them into strips for weaving. You'll then weave a double-walled, diagonal plaited basket using pre-prepared strips of Alaskan birch. Pinwheel embellishments can be added using contrasting colored birch. An emphasis will be placed on shaping and obtaining a tight weave, separating the layers of bark to create the best thickness for weaving, working your materials to obtain a tight weave, and the secrets to softening stiff bark. This is all part of the “wisdom of birch” presented in class.

Details

• Skill level: Intermediate
• Basket measures 5 inches by 5 inches by 5 inches

Details

A $65 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, covers the material you'll need. The instructor will provide pre-prepared strips of Alaskan birch bark.

Prerequisites

Previous experience working with natural basketry materials is required. If you have questions about your experience, contact the basketry coordinator at basketry.coordinator@bainbridgebarn.org before registering.

Class Policies

• Ages 14 and up are welcome.
• Bring a sack lunch each day. A refrigerator and microwave are available in the lower level Commons area.