Information about the Cedar Bark

Cedar bark can only be harvested during about two weeks in Spring, when the sap is running.

For the tree to survive the stripping one can only strip off one strip per tree. The tree then heals itself and keeps on growing even though a scar will remain. Depending on the size off the tree, the harvested bark can be thicker or thinner. And all the cedar trees are individually different. Some have more sap, some have more grain. When I prepare the cedar bark I have to be in a relaxed state of mind and cannot be rushed, it is very time consuming. When splitting the bark I have to be aware of the material I work with. Wood fibers are easily to be broken when handled. After splitting the bark it has to be laid out to dry. Bark should not be left out in a moist surrounding or it may rot.

The dried bark strips have to be handled with care and cannot be bent or they may break. The cedar strips have to be soaked in water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour so they can turn back into the bendable condition.

Soaking the bark strips in water over and over again is not recommended. But it can be done when working with a bigger project. As long as the bark can dry fully in an open well ventilated and dry surrounding.

Cedar Bark Cape and Hat at White Rock Beach