Selected Pages and Projects from:
"Plaited Basketry with Birch Bark"
By Vladimir Yarish, Flo Hoppe, & Jim Widess

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.

Page 4 Page 5
The table of contents reveal the full scope of this extraordinary book. Voluminous history, 18 exciting, graduated projects that will make you an expert weaver of plaited baskets. And, you’re not limited to just birch bark. There are many flat materials with which you can weave these marvelous projects and some of these materials are demonstrated in the gallery section.

Page 18
The history of the uses of birch bark is an exciting one. It was a critical material for containers, medicine and shelter for our early ancestors in the polar north and higher altitudes. Vladimir’s research with archaeological digs and museum visits documents the use of birch bark in Novgorod, Russia for containers, shoes and literary works.

Page 32
You’ll take an fascinating journey into the Russian forest with Vladimir as he harvests strips and sheets of birch bark as well as birch and spruce roots using careful, sustainable methods which have preserved these forests for centuries.

Page 63
Vladimir will teach you how to prepare the bark and transform the birch bark strips into carefully measured elements for weaving.

Page 69 Page 95

Page 99 Page 165

Page 203
Through hundreds of clear, detailed step-by-step photographs for 18 basketry projects, you’ll learn how to weave objects ranging from the very simple to a pair of birch bark shoes.

Page 43 Page 215
Starting with a birch log, you see how Vladimir is able to remove the central wood core, leaving a complete birch bark circle which becomes a water-tight birch bark thermos for carrying hot soup or cold milk incorporating a non-spilling, hand carved wooden lid.

Page 229
You’ll also have whole chapter with just plaited embellishments for ornamenting the sides or lids of your plaited creations.

Page 259 Page 264
The gallery section includes work of artists: Linda Sura, Donna Carlson, Jane Patrick, Teresa Tekulve, Carol Hart, Flo Hoppe, Jackie Abrams, Judith Saunders, Ed Rossbach, Lorraine Oller, Cass Schorsch, Prasert Sytha, and Lai Sivalay, using contemporary materials which are readily available in any community if you are not fortunate enough to have access to birch bark. All of the methods and projects taught in this book, with the possible exception of the birch bark thermos, can be woven from these readily available materials.

Page 277
And finally, a gallery of the extraordinary talent of our chief author, Vladimir Yarish. The variety and technical ability of this artist will continue to astound you as you repeatedly refer back to this text for inspiration.

Micro Clip
These teeny copper mini clips are indispensable for weaving birch bark, water color paper, copper strips, lauhala, or 35mm film. We have been able to have these special clips manufactured for us and are offering two packages of 10 clips with each book you purchase. These clips are tiny, will easily hold 1/8”, 3/16”, 1/4” strips firmly while being able to get into tight weaves where clothespins and other small clamps cannot reach.


What readers are saying about this book:

"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." - P.M. Schrader, Rome, New York

"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." - Leigh Adams, Pasadena, California
Plaited Basketry with Birch Bark by Vladimir Yarish, Flo Hoppe, & Jim Widess - 280 pages, all color. #01555 - $24.95 (hardcover)

Order now and receive 20 free copper mini-clips. A $5.98 value!

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