CLASS: Birch Bark Stars (December session)

The bark of the birch tree “pops” every summer, when it is harvested for use in making baskets, mats, beads, canisters, and sap collecting containers. Historically, these traditions have roots in Scandinavian and Native American cultures and are used to make items for everyday use and decoration. In this class we will discuss the harvest, processing and historical uses for birch bark, and get a feel for working with this material by making birch bark stars. These stars will be strung with a cord made of leather or yarn for hanging. Youth age 8-18 can enroll if accompanied by an enrolled adult.

Materials to bring to class: Learn how to weave a birch bark star while learning more about the amazing bark of the birch tree.

Instructor: Josie Cooke

Instructor Bio: Josie learned to weave birch bark at Lake Superior Traditional Ways Gathering, North House Folk School, and Beth Homa-Kraus. From double hexagonal weave to wrapped canister, beads to boots, birch bark can be used in many ways. She has been working through the projects in the book Plaited Basketry with Birch Bark, and hopes to offer these items for exhibit to acquaint people with this wonderful material and historic craft.