Paper Birch is one of my all time favorite trees and grows in sheer abundance on my land in northwestern Wisconsin near the shores of Gitchee Gummi.

There is nothing quite so stunning as a paper birch tree if you ask me. They lend interest to wooded surroundings amongst other trees and green foliage as well as striking contrast to a dark blue winter sky,

I heat my studio in the far northwestern regions of Wisconsin near the great Gitchee Gummi with a wood stove, and an essential ingredient to my fire building is the bark of a Paper Birch tree. The downed trees rot from within as the layered bark is very strong, leaving behind a shell of weather resistant fire starter. It is a wonderful fuel that catches quickly and burns hot and fast...hot enough to catch the kindling that will eventually catch the split logs and before I know it, my little shop is warm and toasty and I can commence creating beads and jewelry!

Hail to the bark of the Paper Birch!