Instructor: Karen Tembruell
Materials Fee: $285
We will explore two different triple wall techniques using teacher harvested and prepared barks. Class will begin with a session of botanical printing with leaves on birch bark. While the prints are steaming, a Pacific Northwest triple-wall technique will be taught with finely split cedar bark and willow bark, and measures approx. 4 1/2” x 2 1/2” x 5” tall. This technique utilizes sandwiched weavers and waxed cotton cord twining with a folded rim. Day 2 – we will begin the large triple-wall birch canister featuring an outer layer of the botanical printed birch in a patchwork design secured with simple embroidery stitching. This lidded canister is my version of a northern birch culture container. The base is pine, and the construction is stitched fabrication with waxed cotton cord. Spruce root rims will be used with leather rim fillers. The construction includes a dovetail type side join and is fully lined for a clean interior finish. The canister measures approx. 5 1/2” x 5 1/2” x 9 1/4” tall.
In this workshop, students will learn:
- How to prepare using mordants and eco-printing leaves on birch bark with a steam bath.
- The Northwest style, sandwiched weaver triple wall technique, with between weave twining and a traditional lash fold and flip rim.
- My triple wall Birch canister technique
- learning to design and stitch a patchwork design
- secure a dovetail join, lining and fitting a solid base
- buttonhole stitching the rims, including a neck to receive the lid
- the heat and fold flower petal lid technique, which is secured with a sewn spruce root and full lined with birch bark.
This project is made with a multi-step sewn construction and much to learn!
Materials Fee: $285
Materials included in materials fee:
- Prepared barks for two baskets (cedar, willow, birch, spruce roots)
- Eco-printing supplies
- Waxed cotton cords
- Written instructions
Tools that will be provided for you:
- All tools and gloves for eco-printing
- A limited supply of EZ bobs, tapestry needles, and stratch awls
Tools you will need to bring:
- Scissors
- Apron and an old towel
- Sharp pocket knife, if possible
- 2 small EZ bobs
- A small scratch awl
- Lots of clothes pins
- Pencil(s)
Students should be able to twine. Hand strength and dexterity is required (lots of stitching!). Patience and an open creative mind is appreciated and helpful . A focused work attitude is necessary to complete the projects.
A note from Instructor Karen Tembreull: “I harvest, prepare, split and cut all of my materials by hand to make them ready for class. As time allows, I will discuss harvesting and material preparation techniques.”