Simplify the following text for a Grade 6 native English-speaking person.
Original: The strong and water-resistant cardboard-like bark can be easily cut , bent , and sewn , which made it a valuable building , crafting , and writing material , since pre-historic times .
Simplified: And can be easily cut , bent and sewn . Because of this it has been very valuable for building , crafting , and writing material ever since ancient times .