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Notes From Our Adirondack Rustic Furniture Journal
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White Birch grows from small saplings into trees of 60 to 80 feet tall. The White Birch tree's natural range extends throughout Canada, the northern regions of the United States and southern Appalachians. The young saplings are brown at first and turn white as the tree matures. This is the only north American tree with clear white bark that easily separates into layers of varying widths and lengths. The bark can be peeled so thin that it can be used for paper. This tree was once referred to as the "canoe birch", because various tribes of the Native American Indians used sheets of the bark to make their canoes. (photo of birch tree)
Harvesting Birch Bark For Rustic Furniture
Gathering birch bark is a seasonal activity. The bark is easily peeled during those months of the year when the sap is flowing,
beginning in spring and extending through late summer and early fall. The birch bark that is harvested for Arden Creek's furniture,
is peeled while the bark is still on the trees. In an effort to conserve, arrangements are made with loggers to gather and preserve
the bark before the tree is cut down and go to the saw mill. This procedure is done to insure that the bark is not scuffed or damaged.
Gathers climb up the tree and peel off the bark in sheets as they work their way down the ground. The width is limited to the diameter of the tree,
however the length can be as long as the usable portion of the bark on the trunk. The convenient and manageable length is around 40" to 48"
Harvesters use a tool called a "spud". This tool is made of steal that has a long blade which is tapered down to a blunt edge, convenient for
sliding in between the bark and the trunk. The shape of spuds vary, some are round others are long and are attached to a round wooden handles
around 12" long.
Application and Uses of Birch Bark
In the studio at Arden Creek Designs, birch bark is used for a wide variety of products, from decorative applications on pieces of furniture
to birch bark baskets and shades to wall coverings, both interior and exterior applications.
Caring For Your Birch Bark Products
Birch bark is a very durable material and requires very little care. The early great camps in the Adirondacks commonly used birch bark
to provide decorative touches throughout their camps that has lasted for over a hundred years and is still in excellent condition today.
However to ensure it's longevity and freshness, certain steps can to be taken.
- Keep birch dry
The first step is to ensure that the bark is installed or kept in a relatively dry environment. Continual dampness will
eventually take it toll and cause deterioration.
- Protect the surface
Birch bark is very durable, but like anything, it can be damaged. The white surface can be scratched and scuffed. However
one of the qualities of this bark is that imperfections tend to blend in and not be noticeable.
- Cleaning birch bark
Birch bark is fairly carefree. Simple dusting will keep the surface looking nice. Use a feather duster or a rag, being
careful not to catch and damage the natural imperfections on the surface of the bark. Soap and water can also
be use to freshen up the surface. Lightly wash, rinse and dry.
White birch bark is a beautiful and durable material provided by nature that is ideal for adding a decorative element
to any decor. The distinctive white bark generates an inviting warmth and softness to an environment. With a minimum of care and precaution,
it can last for generations.
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