Birch Bark Containers with Cork Bases
20 May 2015
The Swedes have long woven strips of birch bark into intricate ornamental baskets and lidded vessels. Native Americans used whole pieces to create bags and even stitched large pieces together to make canoes. Birch bark is a fascinating and versatile natural material that humans have been exploring and manipulating for centuries.
This Birch Bark Container project takes a contemporary twist on Swedish traditional woven birch vessels. It uses larger strips of bark in combination with cork and dowels to create a clean, calm blend of Swedish and Japanese styles.
For the Birch Bark Basket project (no cork bottom), please click here.
YOU'LL NEED:
- Birch Bark
- Cork
- Wooden dowel
- Speedy Stitcher
- Waxed thread
- Knife
- Scissor
- Cutting mat
- Printer
- Pen
- Wood glue
- Masking tape
IMPORTANT! Whenever working with a knife or sharp blade of any kind, wear protective eyewear and use caution. Knives are very useful but can be dangerous. If you choose to do this project with a child, please closely supervise him or her.
STEP ONE
First, make a template for the container. Use a paper that is easy to trace with a pencil. The bark sheet is big enough for you to make several vessels depending on how big you want each to be. This example is 2.5" high with a 5" diameter (6 x 14cm). To make this size you'll need a 20" (50cm) strip of bark (that length includes 2" or so for overlap).
STEP TWO
After you you decide what size you want to make, cut the paper template and make its corners round.
STEP THREE
Place the template horizontally to the "eyes," the dark lines on the bark (see the finished example) on the underside of the bark sheet. Make sure to put it over an even surface without any hard and dried bark. Those parts of the bark are not flexible enough to bend.
When you are happy about the position of your template, trace it on the bark with a pen.
When you are happy about the position of your template, trace it on the bark with a pen.
STEP FOUR
Use a knife and a metal ruler or strong scissors to cut out along the outline.
STEP FIVE
Now its time to peel off the layers of bark to reveal the beautiful colors of birch bark! Take a close look at the edge of the bark sheet and you will see all the layers. Take a knife (a wood carving knife works best) and carefully cut along the edge and peel the layers off as you go. Since each tree is unique, the thickness of the sheets will vary. The final thickness of the container should be 1-2mm, so if your layer is too thick, keep thinning away until you get a sheet that is bendable. IMPORTANT! Whenever working with a knife, wear protective eyewear and use caution. Children should be closely supervised by an adult.
STEP SIX
Now its time to make the bottom of the container. Take the diameter of your vessel and divide by 2 to get its radius. For example, 5"/2=2.5" (14cm/2=7cm). If you do not have a compass or circle cutter, you can use a Speedy Stitcher as one! Pull some thread through the needle and tie it to a pencil at one end. Then measure the distance from the pen to the needle to the radius of 2.5" (7cm).
STEP SEVEN
Cut along the outline with the knife, inch by inch.
STEP EIGHT
Use some white wood glue on the edge of the cork bottom and use tape to secure the bark strip while it's drying.
STEP NINE
Cut the wooden dowel a bit shorter then the height of the container.
STEP TEN
Use a pen to mark where the stitches should be. Make them so the they will be around 1/2 - 1" (1-1.5cm) from each edge. IMPORTANT! The stitches must be sewn on diagonally over the dowel, otherwise the thread will cut through the bark when tying the knot.
STEP ELEVEN
Use a Speedy Stitcher (or similar sharp object or awl) to make the holes.
STEP TWELVE
Pull the tread through the holes with both ends inside the container.
STEP THIRTEEN
Secure the dowels by making 2-3 knots and cut the thread. You're finished!