What is birch bark for the national craftsman?

Our country has always been famous for masters, craftsmen of all trades. From the usual materials they created real art objects, as well as things for household use. Today, such crafts are mostly forgotten, and those that remain are working for the tourism industry. Crafts are the main souvenirs that travelers take home to all corners of the globe.

Since ancient times, products from birch bark have been popular in Russia . What is birch bark? In fact, this is the outer part, the upper layer of the bark of the birch. Its outer side, as a rule, is white, slightly grayish. But it also occurs in a pinkish-brown hue. The inner layers of this material range from yellow to brown.

What is made of birch bark? This question can easily be answered by any schoolboy. First and foremost, these are traditional peasant shoes - bast shoes. And more - baskets, boxes, utensils, various utensils, details of the weapon. In addition, in Kievan Rus it was used as a letter for writing: the famous birchbark letters date from the eleventh to the fifteenth century.

So, what is birch bark, sorted out. But why was it so popular among the people? Because it is a fairly light, plastic and affordable material that keeps the heat well and lets in air. In processing, it is simple and unpretentious, but it also perfectly protects against dampness and cold. Therefore, not only shoes were made from him, but fishing boats were also built by him. In special containers from birch bark stored bulk products, and even milk.

Many are interested not only what is birch bark, but also how to decorate objects from it. This material was widely used not only in Russia, so each region, each people had their own traditions of decorating products. Popular at all times were slotted and openwork carving, simple carving, embossing, painting, scraping, also the multi-layer weaving looks original.

Beresta is a natural, environmentally friendly material that can be obtained in the forest. However, there are certain rules for collecting it: cutting the bark from the tree is possible only in spring, when the plant wakes up from hibernation and juice starts to move in it. In our latitudes this is typical for May-June, respectively, then it is necessary to go to the forest.

What is birch bark? This is a warm kind of wood, which not only does not feel cold to the touch, but also has positive energy. Many people argue that they calm down, adjust to positive after they hold the products from it in their hands. The rim of the birch bark normalizes the pressure, relieves fatigue. And its appearance is always unique, as it was produced and decorated by hand.

Previously, every person knew how to make products from birch bark with their own hands. Today, this ancient, but quite simple craft can be learned, if there is such a desire. Of course, you need some skill, patience and an experienced teacher, and the first product can hardly be called a masterpiece. But the very process of work will give you great pleasure, will put in order the thoughts, will return you to the sources. And over time, skill will increase, and friends will ask to do for them a traditional Russian craft.