Customer Reviews

Plaited Basketry with Birch Bark

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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.

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.

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.

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.