If you ever walked in northern forest full of birches, you are sure to know how wonderful it feels. Native Siberian folks had long believed in healinf and cleansing properties of Russian birch.

Even before Russia was officially formed, northern slavic tribes, as well as native Siberian people used birch bark as a material for household. Simple canisters made of birch in households, keeping grains, herbs and even milk fresh longer than usual.

Birch bark is wonderful to work with, as it is resilient yet flexible, it is soft enough to be carved in and pressed yet holds shape exceptionally well. It can be washed in running water and dryed with a simple cloth, so itmes made of it are easy to take care for.

 Birch bark carving and pressing it is a popular form of craft in Siberia. There are many small independent studios where 1-3 crafters are working on their creations. They are usually located in a small, hard to reach town (which I learned about first hand when I traveled in Irkutskaya oblast' trying find a supplier :)

Sometimes one can come across a bigger "factory" where a couple of dozen people are employed. They are better known for their "commercial" approach. They are trying to deal in wholesale which can make for a better price but can not provide the same quality that smaller independent craftsperson would.

Beresta is not well known outside of Russia.

Occasionally you can see an item or two at a trade show, but variety is not that great.

I was born and raised in Siberia, and enjoyed using Beresta items in everyday life since childhood.

Ever since I learned about the way american people appreciate crafts, I wanted to make beautiful, different "beresta" items visible in US.

I had amazing response at craft shows and street fairs and I am now trtying my hand on eBay.

If you have any questions about this partcular craft feel free to ask me as I think I might have information that otherwise is hard to come by.