Sawtooth Rim Birch Basket

This class runs Saturday-Sunday, July 26-27, 9 am-5 pm both days.

Take inspiration from Minnesota’s North Shore and create a birch bark basket with a sawtooth border. Students will discover the beauty and strength of birch bark while weaving a medium-sized table basket, which is perfect for organizing or displaying objects with its wide base, shallow walls, and sturdy rim (up to 9” x 9” x 5”). This rim design is excellent for adventurous beginners or intermediate basket weavers, elevating students’ weaving skills by adding a three-dimensional pattern that mimics the zigzags of the Sawtooth Mountains along Lake Superior. Throughout the class, discussions will explore the history of birch bark basketry and ecology, sustainable bark harvest and preparation, and double-diagonal plaited weave technique.

Prerequisites:

Physical ability: This class requires strong hand strength and dexterity, as students are expected to process their own weavers.

Skill level: Some experience basket weaving is helpful but not necessary; prior experience with handwork is very helpful. Please note that most students find this work more difficult than expected.

Ages: Suitable for ages 18+.

Tools & Materials:

A $80 materials fee is payable to the instructor in class. Walnut oil is used in the weaving process, please notify ASI in advance if you have a nut allergy.