Birch Bark Containers

Birch bark is a very versatile material with which to make containers. It can be used to make baskets, bowls and cups, and even canoes and shelters. It is waterproof (if there's no holes in it, of course!). Birch bark also has other uses. It will burn even when wet, and is therefore ideal for starting fires.

The best time to remove birch bark from the tree is in the spring when the sap is running. However, it can be removed at any time. Ideally you would remove the bark only from a fallen tree. If your needs cannot be met this way, then of course take it from a living tree. Of course doing so will likely hurt or maybe even kill the tree, depending on the circumstances. As in all survival skills, decide this using caretaking methods (for more info please consult the Earth Caretaker website.

Birch bark can be rather brittle when you try to bend it. The secret is to heat it briefly over a flame. Don't scorch it, just heat it. You will find that it immediately becomes very pliable!

For the ultimate birch bark container, see Wigwams!

A birch bark box, by Nicholas Neddo.

Materials from five different kinds of trees were used to make this box:

• The sides are bark from White Birch;

• the hold-down loop is made from Red Maple rootlets;

• the stitching is made from Pitch Pine rootlets;

• the wood along the rim of the box and lid is Basswood;

• pitch from Spruce is used to seal cracks.