Dead Bark Containers

[Harmony]

When you are looking for dead birch bark to start a fire or process oil, save the interesting pieces.

You will find large pieces with fungi, moss or lichen on them.

The bark will usually have small holes in it, so is not good for a working container, but will make a very good decorative one.

I sometimes form them around glass containers to make vases. Or fill them with woodland treasures for a centerpiece.

My granddaughter, a teacher, has one on her desk that her students fill with found items from the forest.

Soak the bark over night in warm water. Form it, lace the overlap and put a wooden bottom in it.

Harmony

 

[jojo]

I really like these, Harmony. I think they are beauties. What did you use to lace them together? Thanks for sharing

 

[Earlyturtle]

Really lovely stuff, I had a dream last night I'd found a huge sheet of birch bark. So sad it was just a dream.

 

[rancid badger]

They are really beautiful, very natural and the small fungi, just finish them off perfectly.
very best wishes
Steve

 

[Harmony]

JoJo,

The three pictured containers are laced with 3 mm cane. This is the same cane used for chair bottoms. A hank of it will last a life time and it is cheap.

I also lace with spruce and birch root. Deer rawhide would also look good on this type of container.

I talk about how to do this lacing pattern in my thread on "tine' boxes".

Thank every one for your kind words.

Harmony

Earlyturtle - If you want too more than dream about large pieces of birch bark, find a Siberian bark importer. Siberian bark is also very thick.

 

[andyn]

Harmony,

You are very lucky to have such thick birch barck over there!

I've only ever found a handful of trees where the bark was more than 1 or 2mm thick.