A tues (tuesi pl.) is a water tight birch bark container that has been in use since the tenth century, particularly in northern Russia and Scandinavia. Tuesi were used for storing and transporting liquids and food stuffs, even hot and cold foods. Tues, it would seem, may have been the forerunner of refrigerator containers and thermos bottles. The critical elements of these containers were the intact bark cylinder and tight fitting bottom and lid. A fully traditional tues is a very complex construction and we will not attempt such complexity in this introductory class. We will, however, take an abbreviated path to making a waterproof cup or simple storage container.

The first day of the class will be spent in the woods selecting a perfect tree and learning how to harvest birch bark cylinders (scoloten). Most of Saturday will be spent in the woods. We will meet at The Folk School at 9:00 am, form a carpool, and drive out to the woods off the Cache Creek logging road. Dress for the weather, be prepared for bugs, pack a lunch, and bring a knife with you (either a sharp pocket knife or a retractable blade utility knife). We will finish up around 5:00 pm in the woods, so please allow 45 minutes to get back to town (and we could run late).

The second day will be spent at The Folk School learning how to turn hems on the cylinders, reinforcing them with sheet bark, and fitting tops and bottoms.

Age of students: 18 and up (ages 12-17 are welcome with an co-learning adult also registered in the class.)

Prerequisites: Need to be comfortable tromping around in the woods, working on your knees, and have a bit of hand strength.
Maximum number of students: 10
Minimum number of students: 6
Cost of the course: Pay What You Can – minimum of $25 to cover materials. Suggested registration fee is $240 plus materials, for a total cost of $265.
Materials fee: $25
Contact: John Manthei: [email protected]

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