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Making Serious Progress Now! Birch Bark Canoe Build: Laying the Bark | DIY | WOODWORKING | FRONTIER
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 มิ.ย. 2022
- Peter makes stakes, pegs and clothespins, lays the bark and forms it around the building frame.
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Featuring - Peter Kelly
Cinematography - Catherine Wolfe
Producer & Editor - Catherine Wolfe
Contact us: thewoodlandescape1@gmail.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook - / the.woodland.escape
MUSIC
The amazing music in this episode is graciously provided by our friends, Richard Fortier and Al MacDonald.
#18thcentury #pioneer #birchbarkcanoe #woodworking #canoe #canadianwilderness #DIY #bushcraft #selfsufficiency #canadianfrontier
WHAT A 'LABOR OF LOVE'! Thanks 4 sharing! I've alluded 2 U as; 'giving birth 2 a birch bark canoe' and the odd thing is, the analogy continues. Recall how at 'natural births', ultimately there is a call for; boiling water. Well, what have we here, but a BIG BIRTH and LOTS of 'boiling water' needed! LOL! It's TRUE wisdom NOT 2 make 'hasty decisions' as we know that 'haste makes waste'. U 'let go' of the 'cats eye' problem in the bark and 'gave way' 2 time 2 ponder. Sometimes changing a chore, breaking 4 lunch, a visit 2 the outhouse, has made 'Eureka' moments strike. The birch is an AMAZING find = Gift! Fine filming Catherine, U have an appreciative eye 4 beauty and nature's abundant little joys. Here's 2 your 'good decisions' Peter; "May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears." (Nelson Mandela). Continued health and God Bless you! :)
Your a gem, thanks Marie for not only your insight but, your quotes! You always seem to find the one appropriate for the moment. Actually, I find that a birch bark canoe is not simply an inanimate object but, a lint thing. Everything comes from mother earth for the build and it is truly magical to paddle.
Wow I would never have believed that birchbark was so tough and workable.... I always thaught it was brittle and you could step right through it.....
😂😂😂😂
You learn something new everyday and from anybody.....
Great job 👏 👍 keep it up
Thank you for teaching us southern boys😂😂😂
Sadly you southern folks don’t have birch trees. It is an amazing material for so many applications, canoes being only one. Glad you enjoyed.
I haven't commented lately but I am waiting, watching and liking every episode. I thoroughly enjoy it and appreciate your time and effort to share it with us.
As always, your feedback is so positive, thank you.
This is so impressive! I can see it coming together and I bet you are very proud, every time you use this canoe. You've made every piece by hand. Excellent!!!
Thank you very much!
Indeed that fine knife you have is precious! I can feel it from this screen when you use it for cutting and splitting, it’s a beautifully tempered amazing tool! The birch bark canoe is an evolution of fine art! Its beauty is equally beautiful in its function. Talk about technology? This is high technology in its fine art! It’s like the shaping of stone into the ultimately sharp cutting tool. Again, technology of the highest. I’ve worked little with birch bark but we don’t have it here in SE Pa. But I’ve learned a great deal from you and I am very grateful! Kind Thanks Peter! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania
I like knives in any size or shape, lol, but that one isa favorite.
Nice work you are a real Craftsman
Thanks Bobby.
Peter, your canoe build requires an astonishing amount of busy work. I can’t imagine trying to do the work on the ground and not on a bench.
I’m with you Jay. However, there are certain times when it would actually be more ergonomic as one can sit to do the stitching.
Peter this is amazing to watch. Can't wait to see the next phase.
Thanks so much Danny. I’ve been watching a number of your videos and I’m loving them. We can’t thank you enough for recommending our historical endevour.
@@TheWoodlandEscape You are more than welcome.
BEAUTIFUL birch bark! Thank you for explaining all the details.
Thanks Penny, glad your enjoying. Perhaps your a bark canoe builder at heart!
@@TheWoodlandEscape I am for sure! Your videos are grand escapes.
When in Smiths Falls in July 2017 a party of Voyeaugers came by from North Canada. We went out on the river and laked nearby in their canoes and by it was some treat. Out on the Rideau lake sitting low in the water and the silence, I tell you it was something else. It is one memory that will stay with me forever.
We had a great party afterwards, lots of roasted marshmallows and whiskey.
Your work reminds of the canoes.
It sure is a great skill making one.
All the best from
Paddy in Ireland.
My wife Cathy, grew up in Smiths Falls. I actually know the people that were paddling.
Wow! To see such primitive materials transformed into shape seems almost magical. I've realized a newfound respect and awe for the ancient Native and Voyageur Craftspeople who developed and used the technology you are demonstrating for us here. You and your wife cannot be thanked enough for bringing your truly unique videos alive and placing them into the historical record for time immemorial.
Wow David, one of the most flattering compliments we’ve ever received!
The amount of monotonous jobs in the build is outwayed by the sum of all the parts and the satisfaction of completion. I love your videos. Its spurred me on to build my own cabin of sorts at the bottom of my garden. It's not all trees that I've felled, but it's almost cost me nothing. ❤
Well said Terry and good on you for the cabin build!
That birch bark is amazing!
Thickest I’ve ever worked with.
Hi Peter
It's coming along nicely. Looks like you will have your hands full for awhile!
That was a great opening with mother Robin feeding her brood. Interesting nesting location on top of the antlers.
We just missed then leaving the nest. We were hoping to film their first flight.
Its beautiful. You sure can make the memories. The clothes pins brought a smile also.
Can you just image the diameter of clothesline I’m gonna need?
I watch and am baffled until I see the use of the piece you make and then have the aha moment when I see it's application. Many thanks
Join the club, Mark. I frequently find myself a wee bit baffled, lol. Appreciate your positive comments , you’ve been one loyal follower of our channel.
@@TheWoodlandEscape It’s easy to be a loyal follower when your entire production from camera work to content is the best thing on TH-cam.
I would have never come up with that on my own. Fascinating
Thank you.
What amazing craftsmanship!
Thank you.
Another outstanding installment in this wonderful series. Thanks so much!
And we thank you.
Nice to see it coming together! I hope to see you get a paddle in before the pond ices over.
We are only a few weeks from a maiden voyage.
Hi from Syracuse NY USA brother and everyone else thank you for sharing your adventures in history
Thanks Earl.
Miigwech for sharing your lifestyle and knowledge, fella.
Miigwech, Bradly.
Wish I could click “Like” times 10.
I enjoy the minute details that you share
Flattered Larry, such a nice compliment.
It's looking like a canoe!
Yup Daniel, it is starting to.
Looking forward to the next phase. Another great video, thank you.
Thanks Emsol.
Awesome! Thank you! 👍😎🇨🇦🌲💦🛶
Thanks Marian for the positive feedback.
Really appreciate your work. Looking forward to seeing the progress on the canoe.
Thanks Scott.
A wee bit of MY intro into history…..and it started with a bikini and a tractor.
At 17 going on 18, the gang I hung out with were spending days hunting and fishing and talking girls. Then we noticed the neighbors daughter who we had known for years though something had changed. Her father commanded a great deal of respect amongst us all so the usual banter always ended with us have a great view of their living room mounted above the mantle.
So a striped bikini mowing the yard drove five guys to commence chopping trees down at a furious pace. And when she’d slow down on the edges near the electric fence, we would break out the draw knives debarking with a ever so slight decrease in pace. You see a slip here may be embarrassing but the mantle was worse.
Long story short. We build a 30 by 30 cabin with porch and attached blacksmith shed. Completely furnished head to toe and heated with a pot bellied stove. So began my interest in this subject matter.
Now that there is a fine wee bit of history indeed. I appreciate you sharing it.
Very good progress, starting to look like a canoe! Lots of tedious work which you seem to enjoy. It will be a masterpiece when you finish!! Blessings.
I’m a brut for punishment but, to be honest, I’m really do enjoy the slow easy progress.
I have worked with old growth cypress pulled out of an old shed and second growth new stuff. Split an inch off the old growth 20 foot long and you have a straight line and the same width from one end to the other. You do great work with young tree to pick from. They had a wider selection of old growth trees 300 years ago.
They did indeed , there is so little old growth forest left on the planet, so sad. We’ve canoed in the Arctic and the Yukon and although not big, I find it fascinating to travel in areas like the boreal forest that have, for the most part, remained untouched by humans!
Excellent demonstration on patience and skill Peter. You walk us through it step by step and I think I'm going to build one. Thank you. I forgot to mention I got my my first 1k views on a video of wild Turkeys in the front yard. I didn't have time to grab the tripod so it's like your typical Bigfoot video. lol.
Thank you. Do you have a TH-cam channel? Let me know the name.
It's Jack Blackpowder Prepper
I’ll be checking it out.
super! what a process! looks good. great job Peter!
Thanks Kendall.
Awesome work and looks like you’re enjoying it very much
Thank you and your right, I do enjoy the process.
Fascinating
Thanks Dick.
Thanks for dropping this Peter. Off to North America in a couple of hours. Now I can relax and enjoy…..
Where about in N.A.? Safe journey.
Always leave me looking forward to seeing the rest of the build
That’s a compliment, thanks Glenn.
This is an incredible process, and an awesome video, we love all the content yall make, an inspiration for sure! Keep up the fantastic work!
Thanks Uriah .
Very interesting. Wish I was there assisting you my friend, it seems like it's so peaceful there. Can't hardly wait for the next video to be out. Take care my friend
Never been one to turn down help, Phillip! It is a rather peaceful setting.
OOPs, I went back and reviewed the June 10 episode and found the 4 minute segment where you debark the birch. I was expecting to see 'specialized' tools (wood wedges, spreaders, etc.) but saw that the only tools you used were your small knife, an axe head to use to start the separation, and the flat of your hands to act as peeling wedges; pretty simple process and fun to watch!
Yup, not a lot of tools required. This time of year it almost pops of the tree.
As always a wonderful video and passing on so much knowledge, thank you.
We appreciate your positive feedback.
It’s getting quite interesting now, such a wonderful thing to build. Sure enjoyed the wildlife footage. Thank you both for another wonderful video.
Thanks Richard . Cathy gets all the credit for the wildlife footage and she does an amazing job of it .
I love how you are not afraid to admit that you made a mistake. Great video.
Trust me Anthony if it were not for my mistakes I wouldn’t have must to talk about. Appreciate your feedback.
I love this canoe build🐝🤗❤️
Thanks Deborah.
@@TheWoodlandEscape You’re welcome🐝🤗❤️
Finally, you've found the right bark Peter. I don't think i have the patience to build something like that. But it's very enjoyable to watch the process on building a birch bark canoe.
Trust me my friend, there are some days when I can’t find that patience tool in the box,!
Really enjoyed this video, never knew how it was done. Thanks. Keep your powder dry
Kinda neat, the only craft that one builders the covering first and the builds the frame inside. Watch your top knot Lance, it’s a crazy world out there.
Fab
I was holding my breath as well Bruce. I have use 18th century bits and they perform very well in a brace and bit. We have some bass growing in the pond, it is not deep enough for trout.
I guess I never really considered how labor intensive building a Birchbark canoe was. The early American/Canadian Indians were darn smart folks. It appears they knew more geometry than we give them credit for. Not that I would ever build a Birchbark canoe, it is interesting to watch...from a woodworker's perspective.
I marvel Braxton every time I undertake another build how brilliant they were to simply come up with the concept.
The birch bark canoe is taking shape and really looking nice.Thanks for sharing and have a Great Weekend 🙂.
It is starting to look like a canoe compared to a bunch of bits! Appreciate you interest.
Hi Peter, you know I really loved the cabin build videos but this is most impressive. I’m not laughing or making fun but it looks like to me if you have one thing slip out of place the hole thing would just spring apart. This is really incredible. I can’t wait to see the finished product. Thanks for the videos. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸
Actually the whole darn thing is pretty forgiving but, ican see how you might think that.
@@TheWoodlandEscape to see you gather all the parts and make them this is truly remarkable. I know it’s a work of art.
Peter, still waiting to see how you build your whiskey barrels !!
I just keep refilling the old ones, that way they don’t dry out on you, lol.
Hate to be the one to tell you Peter, but you have a rat in your birdbox.
That is some thick bark - normal for canoes? Amazing amount of work - & great skill in application.
Looks strong enough to take an outboard motor!!!(don't you dare!)
The thicker the better. Will be slightly heavier but, really strong.
It’s so great to watch the build. And I use “method to my madness” and nice to hear someone else say it. I love watching you shape the bark with hot water and “giant clothes pins”.
Thanks Beverly.
Wow it’s a real labour intense job. Would there be several guys working on a Canoe. They must of Been a pricey item to own.
In the time period, there were many hands. The natives would have the whole family involved. Typically, the men did the woodworking portion and the women did all the root sewing.
Hi Peter, Great educational video. Making wonderful progress looking good. See ya on the next one. Take care.
Thanks Gil … next Friday as usual and it will look a lot different by then.
New Sub. Came over from Deep South Homestead. COOL videos :) ! Will binge watch this week to be able to "catch up" :)
Thanks for your interest and support. Danny’s channel is outstanding, so we’re flattered.
Very nice good job man
Thanks Larry.
@@TheWoodlandEscape got the books online.thanks again and can't get my photos to transfer.i will keep trying...
That is high tech work you are doing there! You always have to deal w/ inconsistent materials. I am truly fascinated with this build & can't wait to see the finished product. Your patience & skill astound me. Stay safe & God bless Peter
Perhaps some skill Mark but, for the most part it is the patience that l find my best tool.
Awesome glad your making progress with the birch bark and the canoe man that canoe looks great so far it'll be nice out in the water in your canoe rolling down love that spot your at down by the water lake out in the woods and forest up at the cabin thanks for sharing getting your barch layed out interesting love me some canoes
Thanks Chad.
Your welcome man
What an awesome process, it's great to see the progress you go through. Thanks so much for sharing it with us!
Thanks Tammy.
The canoe is really taking shape, what a transformation! I wouldn't even know where to find birch bark that nice around here, i would probably have to go to the Adirondacks to find it!
It is getting there .. at least I can see a canoe share now, lol.
Love watching your skills and talent at work. That canoe is coming along nice!
Thank you. It is starting to take shape.
Outstanding work! Here in Ga birch is hard to come by. I'll have to make a dugout. Thank goodness your work is so good I don't even have to try! Thank you for taking on the task!.
Thanks Victor. Dugout canoes intrigue me but, darn things must be hard to portage, lol.
Great ... looking nice ... you must feel like you did something now .... meaning it is taking shape .
I was holding my breath when you were spiting .... you picked out a nice and straight pieces .....
Using a brace to drill ... I still have the one my grandfather hand before electricity ! ... Have you ever used a 17th century drill ? it looked like a spoon / scoop . The guy in the Woodright shop , Roy Underhill , used them many times .
Any fish in that pond out front ?
I was holding my breath as well. I have used 18th drill bits and they work just fine used at the speed of the brace.
Another fantastic video. I was wondering about steaming the bark as opposed to the boiling water. In the end I decided that the steam softened bark wouldn't stay flexible long enough to work the length of the hull. Boiling water makes sense. Fantastic video again. What is it about Robins building nests near/against buildings?
Thanks David. We put up platforms all over for the birds and many take advantage of them for nest building.
❤😊😊
You are quite the craftsman Peter! Question who makes your clothes?
We make our own and thanks so much for your kind words.
Looks like you are getting started with your canoe ! Do You Have a Video on making Your Shaving Horse? I really like it! Ot can You give me the size of Lumber? Hope Yall Have a Wonderful Weekend ❗
Thanks Gary for your interest. We are planning to do a video in the future on building a shaving horse.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Thanks I'll Be Watching For It !Hope Yall Have A Wonderful and Blessed Weekend My Friend ☀️
You as well Gary. Even if I’m a weekend behind, lol.
Great craftsmanship. Looking forward to more on the birch bark canoe progress. Questions: How sustainable is it nowadays to make birch bark canoes (considering you probably need several birch trees for one?)?. Is this kind of canoe demand still high in Canada and elsewhere? Correct: It is not great craftsmanship, it is absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Actually, Manuel, you only need one tree. We harvested our bark from one that blew over in a violent storm, so, give the few people that actually build these, it is quite sustainable. There is a very small market for these canoes, partially due to what one would need to ask for one but, more because there is very limited interest.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Thank you for your answer Peter. Glad to know that you used a storm-fallen tree for your canoe. I was just curious because, in a world of 8 billion people, it seems to me that this ancient, beautiful craftsmanship, might need not ever fall into the mainstream of human consumerism.
Peter, great to watch the progress! I'm hoping to see a future episode where you reveal the techniques employed to harvest the bark from the tree. Is it best to do in the Spring?
Late May till early August but, Late June and July are the best. Two videos ago, we demonstrate harvesting bark. Appreciate your interest.
Glad to see the lady coming along so well. But I guess if she's Algonquin Nacomis won't do. Wasn't there a famous Shawnee called Queen Wilhelmina or some such? If I remember correctly the Shawnee were an Algonquin tribe. Can't have an Iroquois name for an Algonquin canoe. That is...unless she was captured in the cattails.
You do have an imagination Larry!
@@TheWoodlandEscape well, I do hear that that did happen quite frequently.
Good morning Peter . Been praying that you find the needed bark for this amazing build. I believe you've mentioned in the past how many builds you have done. What number is this one? You certainly have the process down. I must make time to send that email I promised. Looks as though your closing in on 50k. Congratulations and looking forward to next week's video. Thank you for sharing and may God bless you and yours. Be safe and we'll see you down the road my friend....thanks.
We are indeed only a handful away fro 50K. Who would have thought… we were quite happy when we hit 1000. I’ve built 3 birch barks. I’d build more but, it is a crazy time commitment and I’ve a lot of irons in the fire.
Thank you for the escape! I love how you demonstrate building. Where do you get your shirts? Is there a place to buy them, or do you have them made?
Thanks Steve. We sew most of our historical clothes, some from patterns but, most from studying pictures.
Great to see a step by step and something I can fallow. Questions .. How much of an overlap in the bark should one have while assembling bark panels for the bottom and length of the canoe ? And how far away are your stake holes from your building frame ?
4” is adequate, anymore simply adds weight.
@@TheWoodlandEscape OK thanks Peter .. I should of got a good book like you suggested, but want to avoid having " to much info" which I might regret !
Good Morning 🌄
Love to join you for a cup,don't mind if I do ☕
Any time Sandy, I’m buying.
Hey Peter! THAT is going to be one beautiful craft when you're done with it! That bark may not have been perfect... but for a natural material, it was close enough! WOW! I have seen birch bark canoes in museums that were 200+ years old on display. Of course, they were no longer being used on a daily basis, and I'm pretty sure that added to their longevity. So... how long of a lifespan could a working canoe be expected to have, before a new one was required? In your experience, what is the first part of a canoe that, generally, needs to be repaired/replaced first? (If you say, "The fella paddlin' it!", I will laugh... but I'd really like to know!) I'm already looking forward to seeing the next video! Thanks!
My oldest birch bark canoe is. 17 years and still has the original root lacing. All canoes require annual re-pitching of the seams unless you us artificial pitch. From my research, the canoes used in the fur trade era last 6 to 7 years but, they saw continuous use from ice out to ice in.
@@TheWoodlandEscape WOW! That is pretty durable... given reasonable care when using it and regular maintenance when required. I'm starting to suspect that the birch bark was a victim of false advertising from later manufacturers wanting to use other materials for the skin... yet still being able to have it claim the title of being, "a Canoe"! Thanks for keeping this ancient art form alive and flourishing!
WANTED: Canoe Maker's Apprentice. Must be able to boil water.
Your hired James, no resume required!
Looked up nick skinner knives not sure I’m reaching his site can you assist?
Hey Rodger, Try, South Mountain Forge in Nova Scotia… tell him I sent you.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Just purchased a neck knife like yours with a 1” longer blade with a belt knife that match very close. Should be here in a few days. Now I’m looking for a period correct Musket. Hope your able to pack home an Elk in the new Canoe.
they weigh about 80 pounds far too heavy for me
The last solo canoe I made came in at 60 pounds. The bark on this one is thicker so I’m thinking about 65 or so. I have an old 16 foot that weighs a bit over 70. Certainly heavier than modern materials.