Bark Baskets

by Amy from sage-urban-homesteading.com
(Maryland, USA)

We went to a workshop at Jefferson Patterson Park where I learned how to make bark baskets using the tulip poplar tree.

From April through June the trees are in a growth stage where the bark can be cut from the wood and easily peeled off in one large piece. A single large piece cut using the tree's diameter can be folded and laced together to form the two sides of a basket.

To make the fold, you gently score a football shape. Unfortunately, this type of basket does not have a flat bottom, but you can make a strap to hang it up.

We punched rows of holes and used hickory that had been soaked in water to lace the sides together. The top opening also needed extra support pieces laced to it inside and out because the bark will curl as it dries. The supports maintain the smooth round opening.

I think it turned out really great for my first attempt at a bark basket, but I had a lot of help!