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Working with Birch Bark - Tavlinka Pots

£140.00

This unique opportunity to work with Birch Bark in the Slavic tradition is brought to us by Siegurd van Leusen.

“Birch bark is an incredibly strong material and has been used for all kinds of purposes for centuries. When waterproofing a roof, making canoes, shoes, clothing, all kinds of containers, decorations and toys. Even with the discovery of Ötzi, the 5300-year-old mummified snowman in the Alps, the oldest preserved human being in the world, remains of two birch bark containers were found. Birch bark is perhaps the oldest most functional natural product there is.” - Siegurd.

During Siegurd’s time in Russia he was taught by the great Vladimir Yarish, and a great passion arose for this beautiful natural product. Siegurd has shared that passion for years by giving unique courses on working with birch bark according to the old Slavic culture.

Join us to make your own, and take home a couple of basketry projects made from the fabric of the forest.

For 2027 Siegurd is returning to run the course with us again, and this time around we’re so excited to include the rare and decorated Tavlinka pot as one of the projects you’ll make.

Dates:

26-27th March 2027

This workshop can be booked independently or as part of an exciting Easter Weekend Basketry Course.

This unique opportunity to work with Birch Bark in the Slavic tradition is brought to us by Siegurd van Leusen.

“Birch bark is an incredibly strong material and has been used for all kinds of purposes for centuries. When waterproofing a roof, making canoes, shoes, clothing, all kinds of containers, decorations and toys. Even with the discovery of Ötzi, the 5300-year-old mummified snowman in the Alps, the oldest preserved human being in the world, remains of two birch bark containers were found. Birch bark is perhaps the oldest most functional natural product there is.” - Siegurd.

During Siegurd’s time in Russia he was taught by the great Vladimir Yarish, and a great passion arose for this beautiful natural product. Siegurd has shared that passion for years by giving unique courses on working with birch bark according to the old Slavic culture.

Join us to make your own, and take home a couple of basketry projects made from the fabric of the forest.

For 2027 Siegurd is returning to run the course with us again, and this time around we’re so excited to include the rare and decorated Tavlinka pot as one of the projects you’ll make.

Dates:

26-27th March 2027

This workshop can be booked independently or as part of an exciting Easter Weekend Basketry Course.

Pack Basket Weaving Course – with Siegurd Van Leusen classic series thumbs-4.png Pack Basket Weaving Course – with Siegurd Van Leusen
Pack Basket Weaving Course – with Siegurd Van Leusen
from £220.00
Package:

WHAT’S COVERED: 

The first day we have an introduction to birch bark so that you can get a feel for it. The basis is very important for this course because it helps enormously in the subsequent finer crafts over the course of the workshop, we will prepare everything for the cylindrical container. That night you’ll settle into the woodland surroundings for a wild camping experience as the camp fire flickers. Or you’re welcome to return home overnight if you’d prefer, and join us again in the morning.

On Saturday after a warming breakfast for those that camp out, we will work to complete the Tavlinka pots working slowly with the quiet pace of the woods.

An intensive workshop that requires hard work, but in the end you come home with beautiful projects that you can be very proud of and a lot of knowledge about this beautiful material: birch bark!

  • History and culture of birch bark

  • Background information harvesting birch bark

  • Learn to work with birch bark

  • Learn to work with spruce root

DETAILS:

  • Dates: 26-27th March 2027 Easter Weekend

  • From 1.30pm Friday - 4.30pm Saturday

    • The is an option to stay over in the woods with us on the Friday Evening so those travelling from further away or those wanting an extra nights camping in the woods.

    • The Harewood venue has lovely composting loo’s and a quiet woodland setting to sleep in the trees.

  • £140 per person

  • Small group size with a maximum of 12 guests to ensure we create a subtle atmosphere in the woods, and you get a very high interaction time with the instructor.

  • A full kit list is given out on booking, but you won't need much more than your usual wild-camping gear.

  • This course is fully catered starting with an evening meal on the Friday, and breakfast and lunch Saturday. Please inform us of any dietary requirements, we're happy to cater to any needs.

  • Due the involved nature of this course, we don't feel its suitable to under 14 year olds (please ask if you have any questions)

  • Under 18's must be accompanied by a participating adult

  • Run in a beautiful Private Woodland just south of Harrogate. We'll send you exact directions with the booking pack. The venue will see you wild camping in the woods, with on site toilets and a shower.

  • Lead Instructor: Siegurd van Leusen

  • Support Instructor: Jamie Dakota