Threads 60: A sweet little birch bark basket to hang on the Christmas tree
It may be a little late to make this basket for Christmas, but it may also be used for goodies for birthday parties or little Easter eggs/smarties.
You will need to gather some very fine birch bark and either some thin spruce roots or raffia or linen thread.
You will also have to make a mold using a piece of wood measuring 1”x1”x1.5”. The size is optional. It can easily be made larger if necessary.
Prepare the materials and make the mold.
Cut out a strip of birch bark 4”x3.5” with the long lines parallel to the long side.
Cut 2 pcs. of soaked spruce root 2” long.
Place the basket mold in the centre of the birch bark and fold up the short sides against the mold.
Fold up the long sides.
On the short sides, fold the two ends from the long side. to meet each other, it’s O.K. if they overlap. Hold with a pin.
Cut a handle the width of the short side, and the length you like. Make the centre a little narrower. Place one end of the handle in between the basket and the folded bark on the short side, Replace the pin.
Repeat for the other end
Using the sharp end of the spruce or threaded needle fasten the short ends of the basket, tie on the inside with a reef knot.
Fill with dried flowers or candies and enjoy.
Merry Christmas and happy basket making everybody in 2023!
N.B. This article was originally written by Joleen Gordon from Dartmouth N.S., and published in the Basketry Express 1994.