Workshop "Birch Bark Containers without Stitches"

Teachers: Andres and Imbi Rattasepp

Andres Ratassepp (born in 1970) graduated from Tallinn Pedagogical University as a teacher of arts and drawing in 2003. He completed his master’s studies in Native Crafts at University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy in 2014, with his master’s thesis titled “Estonian Birch-bark Satchels: Characteristics, Weaving Techniques and Possible Modern-Day Uses”.

Andres has worked as a teacher of craft and technology, has supervised adult students and taught bark work in various workshops. With his wife Imbi, he established NPO Luiga Käsitöötalu, the principal aim of which is to promote and popularise the so-called male handicraft.

The assistant and interpreter at the bark work course Imbi Rattasepp (born 1986) is a member of the board of Luiga Käsitöötalu. She is also a handicraft specialist who has taught adults at various workshops. Imbi graduated from Olustvere School of Service and Rural Economics in spring 2016 specialising in national handicrafts.

In this basic course of birch bark containers an overview of Estonian traditional birch bark crafts is given. Historically, birch bark crafts were spread mostly in rural northeastern and southeastern Estonia. Every farm owner probably had the basic bark processing skills.

In the workshop, you will learn about two methods of attaching the bark to the cylinder without using stitches. We will create two containers with a height of 80 mm for which beginners can make a pine bark bottom and a lid using a carving knife, while more advanced students can make these out of wood.

The bark, wood and other materials for 2 containers are provided by the teachers and included in the participation fee.

The workshop is suitable for beginners.