Birch Bark
Birch bark is an incredible resource. It is lightweight but very durable - and resistant to mold and mildew. It was not only used for canoes and tipi coverings by the Aboriginal people, but it was also handy for making bowls, ladles, cooking pots, and baskets. The other elements commonly used for making small birch bark items were spruce root and willow branches, which are abundant in the north.
TWIN ARROW PENCIL HOLDER
This birch bark container was one of the first things I made when I arrived north in the spring of 2004. Spring is the time of year to collect birch bark.
The symbols were cut into the birch bark and painted with gold gouache, and represent a dream image I had of two bundles of golden arrows. I also added some embellishment by beading a lazystitch pattern onto some smoke-tanned caribouhide which I attached to the sides.
The rim of the container is made from willow, which is wrapped with spruce root. The bottom is sewn on using artificial sinew. The instructions for using birchbark can be found in the NWT tourism flyerhttp://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/artscrafts/baskets.shtml). The container is about 3 inches high and 3 inches in diameter.
Approx. Price: $100
This birch bark container was one of the first things I made when I arrived north in the spring of 2004. Spring is the time of year to collect birch bark.
The symbols were cut into the birch bark and painted with gold gouache, and represent a dream image I had of two bundles of golden arrows. I also added some embellishment by beading a lazystitch pattern onto some smoke-tanned caribouhide which I attached to the sides.
The rim of the container is made from willow, which is wrapped with spruce root. The bottom is sewn on using artificial sinew. The instructions for using birchbark can be found in the NWT tourism flyerhttp://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/artscrafts/baskets.shtml). The container is about 3 inches high and 3 inches in diameter.
Approx. Price: $100
Charissacrafts.com - Photos and web design by Charissa Alain-Lilly.
