With its graceful silhouette and distinctive white bark, the birch tree has been important to people wherever it has grown. This book covers all aspects of the North's most versatile tree—from its biology and ecology to its different uses, craft applications, and legends. Some of the lore revealed includes birch's role as a Welsh token of love and its mysterious connection with witches' brooms. In addition to learning about how the wood is used in baskets, shoes, and wood coverings, readers can also make more than 15 craft projects from instructions in the book, including folded bark baskets, carved ornaments, and turned wooden bowls.
"This extraordinary book introduces the birch tree in a truly engaging way." —Cook County News-Herald (Minnesota)
"The beautiful photograpy makes this book a perfect option to leave on your coffee table, too." —Mother Earth News
"The projects, beautifully and clearly illustrated with photos, are ones that students of the folk school would tackle and range from the simple and small to the more complex." —Lake Superior Magazine
"Guides readers through 15 craft projects including carved ornaments, turned wooden bowls and folded bark baskets. It also explains that birch was used to weave shoes, clothing and even make primitive roof shingles." —Woodshop News
The North House Folk School preserves traditional skills and crafts of the past by teaching their practical use in today's world. Master craftsmen facilitate courses in woodworking, woodcarving, basketry, timber framing, boatbuilding, and more. It is located on Lake Superior in Grand Marais, Minnesota.
Imprint: Fox Chapel Publishing
Distributor: Independent Pub Group
Publication Date: 11-01-2007
Pages: 192
Measurements: 11.00in X 8.50in X 0.48in X 1.95lb
