The use of Poplar bark to make baskets and containers is an old Appalachian tradition. The cultures of the Native Americans and the Pioneers both utilized bark in this manner. The students will be given a short history of Poplar bark and its many uses. The instructor will then demonstrate how to make a simple bark basket which could be used for carrying berries, grain, etc.

Each student will then be given a section of a Poplar tree approximately 14” long and 5” in diameter to use to make their basket. Our baskets will be sewn with hemp twin. If you would like to sew with leather or other twine, please bring it to the class. You may also bring items to decorate your basket with such as feathers, pine cones, antlers, etc.

No special skills are required. You should be able to fold a heavy piece of cardboard, squeeze a hole punch, hold a drill, etc.

Class size is limited to 10. Age Requirement: 12 and up. Students under 16 must have an adult with them.

Class fee is $40.00 ($20 goes to the farm and $20 for materials fee.) Sign up with Matthews Living History Farm. Please call us at 276-773-3080 and we will email you a registration form. Prepayment is required. To pay in advanced please call us or stop by and pay by May 28th

This is a very popular class and fills up quickly.

Cancellation: 50% will be refunded if you contact us and cannot attend.

No Refund if a student is a no show.