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Plaited Basketry With Birch Bark

For centuries people have marveled over the beauty of plaited basketry; now readers can actually learn the skill and artistry of this craft in the comfort of their own homes. Scholar, artisan, and teacher Vladimir Yarish created all of the birch bark baskets for this book after scouring museums and archeological sites all around the world. This definitive guide focuses on the history and myriad traditional uses of birch bark, as well as general instructions for basket-making and plaiting. Get hands-on with 18 birch bark projects, both decorative and useful, including a rectangular tray, small basket with three-part braid, or an oval basket with curls. Finally, in the gallery section, take a look at plaited baskets by various artists using contemporary materials.

Hardcover: 288 pages

Publisher: Sterling (January 6, 2009)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1402748094

ISBN-13: 978-1402748097

Product Dimensions: 1 x 8.8 x 10.5 inches

Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #441,473 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #34 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Baskets

This book carries birch bark weaving to a new level relative to what is available in English. The information on bark harvesting and care is really great--good pictures and good description of the several methods of harvesting birch bark. The projects described start with the very basics and proceed to more advanced baskets. The photos and instructions are generally good and even the beginner should be able to work through the projects by starting with the basics. Birch bark basketry can be divided into two very general categories--weaving and using various sized sheets of bark to containers. This book covers both types of bark use. It is a very good introduction to the type of birch bark use practiced in Scandinavia and Russia--across the range of white barked birches. These methods came to the U.S. with immigrants from Finland and Sweden in particular. The style of basketry described is very different from that which evolved among the various Native American peoples across northern North America.

The book has a lot of interesting information about plaited basketry. There are a good cross section of projects and for the most part the intructions are easy to follow. There is one error in the written instructions that's pretty important. I made the diagonal plaited basket for my first project. It was taking me too many attempts to get the basket to work. I could understand what should be happening but things were not coming together when it came to turning down the rim. The diagram for step one is the opposite of what is written. The instructions state that this is a key point and I found that to be true because if you do what it says to do you will not be able to turn the rim down properly. Follow the diagram and place the horizontal strip first and then the vertical, if you do that and keep things tight you should get good results.

This book is a breath-taking work.Initially I was visually impressed by the layout and the number of photographs included for such a low price and then,as I explored further, by the scope and depth of the subject. There is even a detailed chapter on actually harvesting birch bark which was fascinating. However paper can be substituted for those of us without a Russian forest in our back yard!I'm a paper artist not a basket maker so I appreciate the detailed and well written instructions by Flo Hoppe and the numerous illustations accompanying the many projects. As a complete novice, I have so far mastered the woven cubes which make wonderful beads. I doubt I will ever achieve the mastery needed for some of the projects but appreciate their artistry, complexy and the history behind them.As if the exquisite work of Vladimir Yarish was not enough, this book also includes an extensive artists' gallery with innovative work by many well known basket makers.This is not a light weight book, figuratively or literally, and a worthy addition to anyone's library.

Much touted book for birch bark enthusiasts. Covers a wide range of topics related to harvesting and using birch resources for crafts, etc.. Just getting started on reading it but can tell it will be of great value in years ahead.

It's been one of my longings, to find a book like this, and finally here it is! Itis beautiful, and I am reading it cover to cover before I try the patterns.The pictures are clear, well labeled and the instructions are also clear and well sequenced.I also enjoy reading about the history of this basketry in Novogrod, Russia. And I also like the inclusion of so many Russian words that are relevant. There is plenty of birch bark in the Adirondacks and I am so pleased to read that it is possible to use it without harming the trees.It is a typically superb product from Flo Hoppe and friends.I am so excited about it! Thank you for doing this book! It fills a very empty gap in the literature of basketry.I would like to see more!

Plaited Basketry with Birch Bark is a visual treat, rich with superbly photographed historic and contemporary samples. The artistry is exquisite; the instructions are concise and easy to follow, the information fascinating. Beginners may wish to try palm leaf to master the steps in those juicy bead weavings before stepping up to birch bark (I fear my neighbors have noticed my greedy eyes on their trees)! But the view of ancient times (the Iceman) to current fashions (those divinely woven beads) could not be presented more perfectly than is done in this book. Leap for it! You'll be glad you did.

For anyone interested in learning more about the world of birch bark basket weaving, this book is very informative. Great illustrations and step by step details for you to create a basket of your very own.

Thank you very much! Best wishes to seller! Parcel got to me very fast and no damage to book was done during delivery. Got it in perfect condition. Although wrapping the book in paper or plastic migth be a good idea before putting it in the box. Even if it was wrapped, customs could have get rid of it, so it's not really an issue.

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