Welcome scholar, artisan, and teacher Vladimir Yarish, of Novgorod Province in Russia, to the North House Folk School for this birch bark weaving tutorial. After scouring museums and archeological sites all around the world, Vladimir has authored a definitive guide focused on the history and myriad traditional uses of birch bark, as well as general instructions for basket-making and plaiting. This tutorial course welcomes basketmakers and weavers of varied levels, as the class begins day one with an exploration of preparing bark for plaited basketry. Students will gain insight into Vladimir’s approach to preparing bark and continue to weave a traditional Russian birch bark tray - a straight weave that includes the double-woven construction method. Days two and three are yours to explore other Russian woven projects, choosing from any of 16 birch bark projects, both decorative and useful, traditional and contemporary. Students are welcome to a potluck dinner on Friday evening, as Vladimir gives a short slide show presentation on his work and various slides of basketry projects from Russia.

Projects to choose from include -

Two Square-to-Round Russian Birch Bark Baskets
2 ½” diam x 2” high and 3 ½” diam x 2” high
Learn how to weave the Russian way of diagonal plaiting and double-woven construction with these two traditional baskets in a square-to-round design. Learn the basics of Russian diagonal plaiting, the foundation for more difficult baskets, and experience working with Russian white birch bark.
8 hr project - $62/materials

Russian Birch Bark Oval Basket with Curls
3 1/2” wide x 4 1/2” long x 1 ½” high
Learn how to weave a traditional Russian basket of white birch bark. Weaving techniques taught are diagonal plaiting and double-woven construction, and this is a good introduction for those who have not woven this way before. Finish this basket with curls in the Russian style.
4 hr project - $45/materials

Russian Birch Bark Footed Oval Basket with Saw-tooth Rim
3 ½” wide x 4 ½” long x 2” high
Learn how to weave a traditional Russian basket in white birch bark. Weaving tech- niques are diagonal plaiting and double-woven construction with added challenges—Russian-style curls, special saw-tooth rim and added feet.
8 hr project - $65/materials

Nesting Russian Birch Bark Dishes
4 ½” diameter x 1 ½” high
5 ½” diameter x 1 ½” high
6 ½” diameter x 1 ½” high
Learn a traditional Russian birch bark basket featuring diagonal plaiting and double-woven construction. By the third basket, students really “get it.” Finish these nesting baskets with curls for a lovely set.
12 hr project - $145/materials

Russian Birch Bark Canister with Curls
4 1/2” high x 3” diameter
The canister is double woven in the traditional Russian diagonal weave. The decorative rim is stitched in place with prepared spruce roots. The instructor individually fits the hand-carved wooden top. Prior experience with diagonal weaving highly recommended.
12 hr project - $120/materials

Choice of Mini Russian Birch Bark Baskets
Size varies but approximately 2 ½” wide/long x 2” high
Choose from a selection of five styles of Russian birch bark baskets—contemporary, traditional, diagonal and/or straight weave, all are double woven. The smaller size of these baskets makes them more challenging, but intermediate students should be able to complete one or two during a 4-hour class and two to three baskets in 6 hours class time.
4 hr project/basket - $32/basket

5-Cornered Round Basket in Russian Birch Bark
4 1/4” diameter x 2 1/4” high
A contemporary basket with a saw-tooth rim made with diagonal plaiting in an unusual method giving the basket a different look. It is double woven and finished with Russian style curls.
8 hr project - $68/materials

Wall Pouch in Russian Birch Bark
5” wide x 8 ½” high x 1 ¼” deep
This wall pouch is diagonally plaited and double woven using traditional Russian techniques. Decorative pinwheel-shaped curls add interest to its finished look. Russian kostik (awl) will be lent for student use in class.
8 hr project - $70/materials

Russian Peasant Shoes in Birch Bark
2” wide x 5 ¼” long x 1 ¾” high
For doll or teddy bear, the shoes are a small version of the shoes worn by Russian peasants. Many corners, diagonal weaving, double woven form a left and right shoe. A challenge!
8 hr project - $75/materials

Square-to-Round Basket with Curls (the Theme)
4 ½” diameter x 1 ½” high
Learn how to weave the Russian way of diagonal plaiting and double-woven construction with this traditional baskets in a square-to-round design. It's the basics of diagonal plaiting and double weave, and as such is the foundation for more complex baskets.
4 hr project - $58/materials

Square-to-Round Basket, Variation 1
4” diameter x 2” high
This basket is woven in the traditional way: bias plaiting and double woven. It has a different saw-tooth rim for a new technique and curls add interest to this lovely basket.
4 hr project - $58/materials

Square-to-Round Basket, Variation 2
4” diameter x 2” high
This basket is woven in the traditional way: bias plaiting and double woven. The saw-tooth rim and curls add interest to this lovely basket.
6 hr project - $58/materials

Square-to-Round Basket with Special 3-D Rim, Variation 3
5” diameter x 2 1/4” high
A brand-new class offering, this basket is woven in the traditional way: bias plaiting and double woven. The 3-D saw-tooth rim and curls add interest and challenge to this basket. Special tools: Radio Shack 1 1/8” smooth clips (270-0373).
6 hr project - $58/materials

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