Some of the most enjoyable baskets Doña makes are from birch bark found right in our own back yard.
 

We typically use bark from fallen trees.  Removing the bark from a live birch threatens the health of that tree.
There are several types of birch trees and the best type of bark for our baskets is white birch. This is not to be confused with that of the gray or wire birch which is often referred to as white birch but is not as suitable for craft work.


Bark from fallen trees may be gathered at any time of year, though the best time is spring up until the month of June. To store bark for later use, we lay out the sheets and gently press them flat. We'll put weights on top of the bark sheets to prevent them from curling up since birch has a tendency to curl on its own.
 

To use bark for our baskets, the birch must be heated.  If the bark is very thick, layers of it can be peeled away to make more sheets.  Thinner sheets are easier work with.

Birch Bark
Country Spirit Style
Traditional

© 2007 Country Spirit Baskets
Tunbridge, Vermont