Green Wood Shrink Boxes

This day-long Duluth Folk School class guides students in the process of making wooden containers using green wood sides and dry wood bottoms. Though they are called shrink boxes, most are round. The process is very simple: Hollow out a branch, cut a slot in the bottom of the cylinder and snap in a bottom piece. The green wood dries and shrinks around the dry bottom locking it in place. With a tight fitting lid shrink boxes have traditionally been used to store salt, spices and other valuables.

Students use traditional tools to hollow out branches and cut slots for the bottoms. Previous carving experience isn’t necessary, but it is helpful.