Birch Bark Baskets Angelique Merasty Bitings

 For years the birch tree has been used for it's "folk remedies" but also it's crafting properties . From canoes to paper for crafts it has a wide range of uses among artists. I've seen it used for  crafting journals, tiny miniatures such as "a roof" on a handmade birdhouse, sometimes implemented in small log cabins in  train gardens to decorations for the home. There's not a bad use for this tree's bark in the crafter's eyes.  One of the more collectible uses are the birch bitings and birch baskets. 

This implements a birch bark biting into a collectible brooch from Etsy shop /ChieftainDesigns

The art of birch bark biting dates back for years with the indigenous people.  Basically this is where an impression by the mouth by biting into the birch bark thus fashioning into interesting designs, then using that bark for arts such as jewelry, wall decor, and the like is quite impressive.  

Nor to mention, besides just downright interesting and highly collectible.  A framed biting for the wall coming from a true indigenous crafter may run you upwards of $60 dollars wherein this brooch retails for $25.  The podcast below attributes one of the more famous crafters who was Cree, and they are talking about  Angelique Merasty whose work is quite famous and now sells at auctions for lots of money.  Originally sources write when she first sold her work as a young girl, she was fetching 15 to 20 cents a biting,now her work is coveted by collectors of this art and expect that it will go for much at auction.

Birch bark basket, from Esy shop /PowwowKids

Baskets made of birch bark can come in many forms, and implement the bark of the tree into the basket making it a craft medium.  These baskets may be accentuated by handmade art, such as the one above or simply entwined with other parts of the tree (as the one below.)  Bitch bark baskets, authentically handmade by artists can run between $25-$75, however the one below is only $9 range because it implements only a small amount of birch in with actual wicker.  Expect to pay less for something that's not purely all birch.   

 

Birch bark basket on etsy has wicker too shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PerfectlyPairedHome

You can listen to the podcast here:

Modern Vintage Cushions Pillow Barkcloth Mod Pod

1970s Retro Barkcloth Cushion Cover, Organic Denim 16x16 approx $32

This is the best tip for decorating: turn your living room or bedroom into something totally different by changing up the throw pillows and accent rugs. The best place to shop for pillow covers or cushion covers is Retro68 on Etsy.   This shop features everything from Retro Cushions,  Retro Pillow Covers,  Japanese Kimono Cushions, Retro HouseWares and more. You'll find Vintage Glass, Vintage Ceramic, and Vintage Linens also.

Retro 1970s Mod Leafs Cotton & Organic Denim Cushion Cover at Retro68 on Etsy approx $37

As you can tell shop owner Mark selects his fabric for having a retro style or vintage look, and mid century modern vibe. This is so retro and a must have for any re-decorating in your home.   This shop is located in the UK, but a pillow case this size 17x17 is ranging around $37 USD and only a little over $6 for S/H more or less depending on the current exchange rate.  You can add a fluffy pillow to stuff it with for only a little more.  This is a great price for having such authentic quality retro style pillow to spice up your modern room! 

A wide selection of retro mid century modern look pillow covers and cushion covers are available!

Not to mention this shop uses eco friendly packaging, and fair trade denim/materials to reinforce the sides of the cushion or pillow covers! What's not to love?

Connect with Mark:
Retro68 on Etsy
Twitter @yukotrading
Facebook Page

Vintage Porcelain Glove Molds on Etsy

Vintage Porcelain Glove Molds are Back!  Here are my latest finds...... watch them go from this :

Glove molds available at RetroChalet range $28-$45 on average

To this! Ah, yes, the industrial relics look lovely as urbanite home decor.

Glove molds available here.

So how does one get the funk, junk, and rubbish off of them? Hard darn work, comet, soap, scrubbies and elbow grease, that's how.  Scroll below for my tips on cleaning....

Read my Squidoo article on Glove Mold History and Cleaning here.