Now bread boxes are popular again. Instead of sliced loaves and loaves, housewives prefer to buy whole bakery products, they are fresher. Many people bake their own bread in household bread machines. A birch bark bread box will be an excellent decoration for the kitchen. Craftsmen offer designer products that are stunning in beauty on online resources.
It is more convenient to use a wall box, which is mounted on brackets and can be easily removed. Items for storing baked goods are installed on refrigerators, microwaves, and work tables. In them, baked goods retain their original aroma for a long time, do not become stale, and remain fresh.
Items for storing baked goods are installed on refrigerators, microwaves, and work tables.
Wood is the best material for storing bread
According to user reviews, carved birch bark bread bins have a number of advantages. They are similar to wooden ones in functionality, but much more practical and beautiful. Birch bark is the top layer of birch bark. Similarly, the top layer of trunks of other hardwoods is used: maple, oak. The loose pine bark is decorative and is used to make individual parts.
Birch bark is considered a good antiseptic. It has been laboratory proven that birch bark contains silver ions.
The cured bark breathes and remains airtight. It was used to make dishes and containers for storing bulk products. For reference: it has been noted that flour and cereals stored in birch bark containers do not harbor pests. Honey does not become sugary longer and milk does not turn sour.
In a white wooden breadbox, freshly baked bread is stored for 3–4 days. A packaged store-bought product won't last that long.
In a wooden bread box, freshly baked bread is stored for 3–4 days.
Measurements and drawings
A preliminary sketch of the future product is made. He must take into account the specifics of the selected material. The drawing is created based on the drawing and original dimensions.
For such a product, you need to take into account the average amount of bread consumed by the family. In other words, the size of the bread bin depends on the number of baked goods that will be stored in it.
The container must have depth, height and length. All these parameters should take into account the size of standard bread rolls. In this case, the baked goods should fit freely into the box.
A factory-made bread bin with curtain doors can easily hold 3-4 loaves inside.
Drawings for a wooden product can be drawn directly on plywood or first on a sheet of paper. It looks something like this:
Types of bread bins by shape and purpose
According to the drawings, you can make a bread box from birch bark yourself. Just watch the master class. Original, two-tier models look beautiful, multifunctional, with separate containers for baked goods and loaves of loaves.
A good option is a rectangular or round box with a wooden hinged lid. There are interesting models of bread bins in the form of a chest, a casket, or a small chest with sliding doors.
There are interesting models of bread bins in the form of a chest or casket.
The natural range of birch bark has several shades; you can combine pieces in light white, honey and golden tones. Bread bins are made spacious and roomy so that there is a lot of air. In recent years, the material has become extremely popular, and workshops have opened to make all kinds of crafts. Individual orders based on author's sketches are accepted.
In specialized stores, processed birch bark appeared, ready for use, divided into layers, cut into strips. Wicker bread boxes are made from it. The material is first soaked in water. After drying, birch bark wicker structures become durable and retain their volume.
Bread bins are made spacious and roomy so that there is a lot of air.
How to prepare for work
The first stage in the manufacture of any handmade product is the preparation of materials and tools that will be required during assembly. They are selected in accordance with the chosen scheme. The materials were mentioned above, now we should touch directly on the working equipment.
In a workshop setting, the process is accelerated, since it is possible to use a circular milling machine. At home you can get by with hand tools:
- manual jigsaw;
- carpenter's ruler with a clamping mechanism;
- manual milling cutter;
- clamps;
- jigsaw machine (if you don’t have one, you can replace it with a simple manual model).
Woodworking tools
Advantages and disadvantages of a carved birch bark bread box
The natural material is very plastic and can be processed well. The material is valued for its amazing strength; wicker or glued products are wear-resistant. The bark does not spread into separate fibers. Light, thin birch bark is resistant to rotting and drying out. It does not accumulate harmful substances or poisons, therefore it is safe for humans.
Birch bark has long been used to make utensils for a reason; the environmentally friendly material does not cause allergies and prevents the development of pathogenic bacteria and viruses. When in contact with food, it does not impair their properties or affect their taste.
Birch is a warm tree. Birch bark products are always pleasant to the touch and maintain a comfortable temperature even in a cool room. This is explained by the special energy of birch bark.
Craftsmen value birch bark for the opportunity for self-realization; they create carved patterns on the bark, and weave dense plates from it. The design of bread bins is limited only by the artist’s imagination. You can purchase unique products made in a single copy.
Birch bark products are always pleasant to the touch and maintain a comfortable temperature even in a cool room.
Despite all the advantages, the material also has disadvantages. Wood requires regular maintenance; it must be cleaned of moldy crops. They reach the surface from hands, through the air, with particles of moisture and food.
Natural wood without coating is capable of absorbing moisture and aromatic substances. At high humidity and sudden temperature changes, birch bark becomes deformed; at low humidity, it curls at the edges.
Wood requires regular maintenance; it must be cleaned of moldy crops.
Decorating a wooden bread box
One way to decorate a wooden bread box is decoupage. This is an applique made of thin paper with bright designs. Usually they use elegant paper napkins, but you can also print the selected picture on thin paper or paste it over with scraps of old newspapers. To ensure good adhesion of the napkin to the wood, the surface of the bread box must be without varnish or other coating.
To work you will need:
- napkins or special paper for decoupage;
- brushes for glue and smoothing the pattern;
- glue;
- finishing varnish;
- acrylic paints for backgrounds and color accents.
A well-leveled and dried bread bin lid should be primed with putty, allowed to dry and treated again with fine sandpaper. Under the appliqué layer, it is necessary to apply acrylic paint of a suitable color to make the pattern look brighter and clearer. After complete drying, a cut or torn pattern from paper napkins is glued onto the bread bin. The glue is applied to the paper with a brush using neat strokes in one direction. Start applying glue from the middle of the picture.
After applying the napkin to the wood, carefully smooth the paper with a soft brush to prevent bubbles and wrinkles from forming. After the glue has completely dried, begin applying the finishing coat. Acrylic varnish is applied in several stages (3-6 layers), taking breaks for drying.
Decoupage fits well on any surface shape
Important! The surface for decoupage will have to be very well leveled, and the chips will have to be primed so that after gluing the paper, the wood’s flaws will not appear.
How to deal with mold and prevent its occurrence
Birch bark is denser than wood, but is less saturated with antifungal compounds during processing. The materials are well preserved under a layer of varnish. Natural boxes are less practical. The combined option, when the plywood base is complemented by veneer, is also susceptible to mold.
If the bread box is wooden, wash it well, dry it, and strengthen the varnish coating. Inside, treat the surface with a cotton pad soaked in:
- Alcohol;
- Furacilin solution (untreated white wood can darken);
- Chlorhexidine, pay special attention to corners and seams.
After processing, the bread box is taken out to the balcony for at least a day.
If the bread box is wooden, wash it well, dry it, and strengthen the varnish coating.
Linen fabric soaked in a salt solution and well dried will prevent the development of fungal spores. Humidity is maintained with salt, a small salt shaker is enough. Excess moisture will be absorbed. There will be no conditions for the development of microorganisms.
An excellent natural antiseptic is dry mustard. It is poured into a small canvas bag and placed inside the box. This will not change the taste of the bread. You can add cloves of garlic or a cut onion to the loaf.
An excellent natural antiseptic is dry mustard.
Algorithm for assembling a bread box
To work you need to prepare:
- plywood boards;
- jigsaw;
- sandpaper;
- small nails;
- stapler for furniture;
- glue;
- accessories.
Procedure:
- a drawing of parts is applied to paper or plywood;
- All drawn elements are cut out with a jigsaw;
- parts must be sanded on all sides;
- The structure is assembled according to the drawing.
Recommendations for the care and proper storage of bread
Rolls and loaves sweat in polyethylene. Condensation deteriorates the quality of the product. Wrapping bread in cloth, as our grandmothers did, is also not an option. A wooden bread box will help preserve baked goods and protect them from drying out and spoiling.
Bread will not spoil if:
- Only store cooled loaves;
- Remove any crumbs that form daily;
- Close the container in which the bread is stored tightly.
By following the basic rules for caring for birch bark and wood, you can use the bread box for a long time. The inner surface should be washed regularly at least once every 5 days. After this, the bread box is ventilated and kept in the light. The birch bark is wiped with a cloth moistened with a salty solution every day, after the crumbs have been shaken out.
A wooden bread box will help preserve baked goods and protect them from drying out and spoiling.
A few secrets:
- The birch bark box shines after wiping with a weak vinegar solution; add a tablespoon of 6% apple cider vinegar or 2 tsp per liter of water. 9% regular;
- It is imperative to remove old bread when new bread appears;
- From the outside of the bread bin, remove dust with a swab moistened with vegetable oil, then immediately wipe thoroughly with a dry cloth or paper towels;
- It is better not to use dishwashing detergents or other detergents; grease can be easily removed with a mustard solution (1 tablespoon dissolved in a glass of warm water);
- If the bread dries quickly, place half a potato or apple in the bread bin.
A birch bark bread box is a necessary item in the kitchen; when choosing a bread box, it is better to opt for two-section models in order to store baked goods and loaves separately.
If the bread dries quickly, move half a potato or apple into the bread bin.
The best option for storing baked goods is a carved wooden bread box. If kitchen utensils are made from environmentally friendly materials, the taste and aroma of baked goods will be preserved. Items made from birch bark are not only functional, but also interior decoration. A birch bark bread box will be a good gift for loved ones and friends. It will fit perfectly into an interior decorated in Provence, country style, and will complement the classic surroundings.
DIY bread box made of wood
For this type of work you will use:
- planks;
- bamboo mat;
- wood glue;
- small carnations;
- wine cork;
- furniture handle;
- plastic food mat;
- furniture stapler.
The dimensions of the elements of this product are shown in the photograph.
- under the number 1 there are four parts - 2 will go for the bottom, one is for the top, another one is for the back panel;
- under the number 2 there are two sidewalls;
- number 3 is the front panel.
Everything is extremely simple.
You need to cut out these parts and knock them down with small nails. After which the corners at the top are sawed off. Saw the wine cork into 7 pieces and glue them to the bottom surface of the bread box. They will become the legs of this item. Attach a furniture handle to the bottom of the mat, and attach it to the front panel of the bread bin using a furniture stapler. Use a plastic cutting board as a tray; you can saw off the excess. To make the sides, make small cuts in the corners and lift the edges of the pallet up.
This is how you will get a wonderful bread box, made with your own hands from wood and a mat.
Reading the drawing
Parts are marked with numbers to make it easier to understand the assembly sequence.
- the bottom of the structure is two rectangular parts, designated number one;
- the rear wall of the structure is another rectangle number one;
- the ceiling of the bread bin is the last detail with number one;
- side walls - two parts under the number two;
- the front side is a part with the number three.
The side parts are rounded before assembly to facilitate installation of the mat (in this model of the bread box, the mat is also a door). The mat is secured with a furniture stapler.
Assembly is complete. It is recommended to put a cloth or plastic mat inside.
