BIRCH BARK WOVEN SHEATH
WITH BETH HOMA KRAUS AND JOHN ZASADA
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
5:30 - 8:30pm
Learn about the harvest, process, and durability of the naturally magical material, birch bark! Birch bark weaving has been a tradition in various Northern cultures and is one of the most versatile trees of the Boreal Forest landscape. Of the many things that can be made out of this flexible material, the woven sheath is one of the most practical. Students are encouraged to bring two hand tools from home to create a woven sheath (find examples below). In this class, time will only allow for one sheath to be made. Bringing two different tools allows a little wiggle room on which one it might fit best. No prior weaving experience is required.
Suggested tools to sheath include kitchen or carving knives under 5” long, scissors, chisels, and clippers. If you have a tool in mind but are unsure if its right to sheath with birch - please email us.
This class is taught by a visiting friend from Minnesota, Beth Homa Kraus, with a Corvallis-based special guest, John Zasada. John and Beth have been weaving birch bark together since 2012 and bring many years of Boreal Forest knowledge to our folk school.
Class Details
Age Requirement: this class is for adults and youth 16-17 if their parent or guardian is also registered for the class.
Location: Greenbelt Land Trust's Bald Hill Farm
Students bring: 2 hand tools to make sheaths for and your favorite pair of scissors.
Tuition: $50
Materials fee: $20
Please email info@tarweedfolkschool.com to join the waitlist for this class.
Accessibility note: This class requires strong finger dexterity and strength. Some have found it more challenging than expected, but no prior weaving experience is required. Please also consider allergies: a mixture of beeswax & walnut oil is used in this process - if you have certain nut or bee allergies please be advised.
Need a scholarship to attend a class? We offer full and half tuition awards (scholarships do not apply to class materials fee). Email info@tarweedfolkschool.com to register.
Tarweed Folk School values increasing access to practical arts and place-based skills. Our goal is to make our classes accessible to anyone with an interest in learning. Please consider that our classrooms take place inside and outdoors with varying amenities (think of parking, seating, walking surfaces, and bathroom options, for example). We are happy to provide any information or answer any questions about accessibility or accommodations for any of our classes and locations. Please email us if you have comments, concerns, or questions.
