Working With Tree Bark For Sculptural Work & Basketry
An Online Class With Christi York
Thursday 4th June 4-6pm BST 2026
“From the very first time I peeled bark from a branch, I was hooked. It’s a hands-on, visceral experience like no other.’
Tree bark is an ancient, eco-friendly material that can be used in a contemporary, sculptural way. Christi York has been working with bark for close to a decade. She will share with you her best tips for harvesting and working with deciduous tree barks, as well as her favourite contemporary artists working with this material.
Bark harvesting can be done, seasonally, even in urban areas, you don’t need access to a forest. A little patience might be needed to wait for the proper season (May/June in most of North America), but once you learn this skill, you will be eagerly looking forward to harvest time every year.
Peeling tree bark can be done without cutting down a tree - merely harvesting from pruned branches gives you a good amount. Dried material can be kept for years before using. Cut it into strips for weaving, or use larger pieces shaped and sewn, artist Christi York will give you a virtual starter kit to inspire you to work with this versatile, natural material.
2-hour Live Online Class
How-to sustainably harvest bark, including best practices for drying and storing.
Working with bark; weaving, shaping and stitching.
Tool breakdown for trimming and cutting long even strips.
Sharing inspirational artists.
A PDF with written instructions
Live demonstration of peeling bark, what to look for and what to expect.
Join live or watch the recording. Sign up before the 4th June 2026 to join. The recording will be available until the 5th September.
About Christi York
Christi York is a contemporary artist who has been studying basketry techniques for the past 12 years. Her focus is on ethical harvesting from her immediate landscape. As a materials driven studio artist, she is obsessed with plants and how humans fit into their world.
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