Beresta is the bark of a birch tree, which is a unique natural material. From ancient times in Russia people used birch bark for making different articles for the domestic everyday life. Food could be kept in birch bark boxes, tueses or barrels for a very long period of time because of birch bark's fine bactericidal qualities. Goods made of specially processed birch bark are well compared to those made of leather. Birch-bark has a velvet smooth surface and is very pleasant to the touch.

Due to its great number of natural color tints, varying from dark brown to vinous or even creamy white, birch bark is desired and gratifying material for a craftsman. The goods from beresta (birch bark) are absolutely clean and safe ecologically, for they are made only manually and without use of any unhealthy substances (solvents, varnishes).

Ancient Russians believed that birch bark protected their homes from evil spirits.