Shaker oval boxes stand test of time orlando sentinel. They made mostly oval boxes which they sold in nested sets another. Although we no longer make or sell boxes, you may still find an occasional box for sale on the internet. Stunning photos of seventy examples of the beat wood box introduces you to the traditional craft practiced by shaker craftsman and those who follow their example today. All of our products are crafted with patience and skill. The swallowtails are long and slender with the point of the arch almost reaching the main tack line. I chose to create boxes in the shaker style not only because of their desirability as an antique but also because of their durability and usefulness. Shaker boxes the design and history of shaker boxes. Facts and photos gathered in my research for my shaker books. These projections are incorrectly referred to as fingers or lappers. In october 2012 we retired from making shaker boxes. Shakers stained or painted most of their oval boxes in solid colors from the 1790s. Oval boxes shaker mercantile at hancock shaker village.
The swallowtail projections were added for practical purposes in the construction as they allowed the wood to expand and contract without splitting during temperature and humidity changes. Handcrafted shaker boxes lehays shaker boxes artisan. Fryes measure mill catalog shaker and colonial carriers. Over the next few decades they established a number of communities in new england and eventually westward. See more ideas about shaker furniture, shaker style and gift drawing. For over thirty years john wilson has been showing people how to make shaker oval boxes. His books are a visual treat, beautifully designed and printed with color images throughout, heavy coated paper, smythesewn binding, head and tail bands, and. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. The records show boxes were mostly sold individually, however some nests were sold of the graduated boxes. The link on the upper left hand side of this page takes you to photos of some of our previous work.
They made mostly oval boxes which they sold in nested sets another modification that added to the efficiency of the boxes. They were known to have bought newly invented machines that assisted in. Theyre a great gift for people who enjoy using their hands to craft beautiful things. Intrigued by the book s measured drawings of shaker oval boxes, he found construction very challenging. Production random bits of knowledge home shop views by john wilson hardcover, 220 pp.
The shaker oval box perhaps best exemplifies the simple shaker design. Every day is filled with selfguided and staffled tours, talks, demonstrations, exhibitions, handson activities and more throughout the historic centre, the farm and the preserve. Get the best deals on 18001899 antique primitive boxes when you shop the largest online selection at. The uniformly slender sides are secured by copper tacks in the traditional shaker fashion. The first is the start point, where the end of the band is placed when beginning the bending process. Shaker oval boxes were made to hold various small dry items like spices, herbs, thread, buttons, and powdered paint pigments. This stack of 5 maple and pine shaker oval boxes is handmade following time honored shaker boxmaking methods. A history of the united society of believers stein, stephen j. Mar 25, 2015 follow along as we demonstrate how to bend straightgrained wood for the construction of oval shaker boxes. The shaker museum reception center is a book shop and exhibit area the exhibit is titled come little children, come to zion this interactive exhibit portrays the shaker life as lived by the. Many hours of hand work make shaker boxes come to life. Classes are held here and around the country that give handson experience in this traditional craft.
Its clear crisp lines and singular lightness unite and transcend both traditional and modern settings, and for that reason it has remained a major creative force in our decorative art. Oval boxes my oval boxes are representative of the style and swallowtail carving of elder daniel crosman 18101870, an oval box maker at mt. The other book is by a well know furniture builder and is also a good source of. The shakers used the inverse as a scale smaller the number the larger the box. The history of shaker boxes started when the united society of believers in christs second appearing better known as the shakers arrived in new york from england in 1774. Altered book bookbinding calligraphy cardmaking cast paper collage. The shaker store is a gift shop where many items are for sale including various sabbathday lake fancy goods including the shaker trademark oval boxes.
Box making requires a large commitment in materials simply to start the process of. The third will give history, materials and other oval box traditions. Scheduled experiences change daily based on the seasons and village at work projects. Shaker oval boxes are constructed using swallowtail projections on the box. Thus, their particular style of bentwood boxes became known as shaker boxes and were valued because of the shaker connection. Handcrafted boxes made in the shaker tradition since 1993. Shaker furniture essay the metropolitan museum of art. Brent rourke spends many hours carefully handcrafting these quality shaker oval boxes and carriers to last for generations so that youll be proud to display them. Shaker oval boxes are constructed using swallowtail projections on the box during the shaping process. The shape and detail serve to create a useful and durable wooden box that has stood the test of time.
For half a century, shaker workshops has worked to craft. Admission to shaker village grants you access to a full day of discovery. Daniel hrinko box maker beautiful craftsmanship, historical. This is a history book that repeats itself over and over. Ive made about 30 of different sizes before and were all cherry, but i wanted to try some maple to see how well it bends. Reproduction shaker boxes gifts shaker boxes and shaker gifts. Or you can make your own shaker boxes and furniture in our workshops. Did you scroll all this way to get facts about shaker oval boxes.
For more than a decade now, steve has conducted shaker oval box making workshops, provided training sessions for staff and volunteers, and presented handson demonstrations and oval box making historical interpretation for hancock shaker village. Boxes are numbered for size on the bottom using the scale associated with ejner handberg, vol. An interpreter at the hancock shaker village museum, jerry grant, shared techniques and tips. Books marked with an asterisk are available for sale at the hancock shaker village museum store. You can even sit down and pick up a book on woodworking or shaker history. My products are created using the same craftsmanship that the shaker community used for over 200 years. See more ideas about shaker style, gift drawing and history. Following a brief introduction to making shaker oval boxes is an extensive. Subtitled projects, plans, processes this volume is the handson, howto side of things, and includes not only beautiful photographs, but also drawings so you can actually build from the book. Its clear crisp lines and singular lightness unite and transcend both traditional and modern settings, and for that reason it has remained a major creative force in our decorative arts heritage for hundreds of years.
At about the same time john met a woodworker, joel kammeraad, who was making shaker oval boxes and agreed to teach the process to that class. Tops and bottoms are secured with small wooden dowels. Our shaker oval boxes are reproductions of the originals made during the mid19th century. Shaker oval boxes vol i, a craftsmans guide to original, derivative and diverse forms of the ova box, 2014, home shop books. Some of the boxes were painted and original paint remains a significant factor in the value of shaker boxes. I must say that this nittygritty, wartsandall story is just as onesided as a glamorous photo book of oval boxes, architecture and rhapsodic poetry about shaker purity. At the time the shakers were becoming established, round bentwood boxes were being made in.
Follow along as we demonstrate how to bend straightgrained wood for the construction of oval shaker boxes. Pete baxter woodworks hands to work, hearts to god. The oval boxes were used to store herbs, spices, sewing items, nails almost anything except liquids. Although the shakers did not invent the oval box, which has a long history in america and. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. The wood, hardware, tools and instructional materials needed for box making are found at the home shop. We need to experience both sides, not one or the other. This historically accurate piece is an example of a shaker production piece made for sale to the worlds people or fancy goods trade. The shaker office deacons kept annual sales accounts starting in 1805. The grace and simplicity of our handcrafted fingered lap box marks the shaker concern for both detail and proportion. Hand buffed with oil for a rich finish and superior moisture protection. Stunning photos of seventy examples of the beat wood box introduces you to the traditional craft practiced by shaker.
The boxes are finished with a black and red milk paint finish followed by a lacquer top coat. In the case of shaker boxes, the former is simply a wooden oval form slightly smaller than the finished oval shape, the same height as the height of the box, having two alignment marks on its top. Wilsons first book, making wood tools is now in its 2nd edition. The most common shaker oval boxes material is wood. These handsome oval boxes are handcrafted of cherry. Adult groups and tours shaker village of pleasant hill. The simplicity of the shaker oval box design makes them timeless in both beauty and. Since 1996, i have been carefully handcrafting reproduction shaker oval boxes and carriers. Shaker furniture is the one truly original american style of furniture. This volume is the handson, howto side of things, and includes not only beautiful photographs, but also drawings so you can actually build from the book. These careful drawings from the book of shaker furniture, john kassay, page 20.
Whatever you do, youll have a great time visiting us here at the barn in bloomfield. Ejner handberg in 1973 in his book shop drawings of shaker furniture. Shop for signature shaker oval boxes, logo merchandise and seasonallyinspired gifts, as well as unique childrens gifts, books, soaps and lotions, jams and jellies, shaker reproductions and more. Volume i of shaker oval boxes is filled with stunning photos and introduces you to the traditional craft practiced by shaker craftsman and those who follow their example today. Shaker oval boxes general woodworking the patriot woodworker. The shakers had religious and social reasons for the design of their boxes, however, there is no rule that says you have to make a traditional box. Shaker oval boxes and carriers revised april 26, 2020. Books can be purchased at the store, or ordered via phone at 800 81717, ext. Written by john wilson, who is americas foremost expert on the subject.
Oval carriers were originally used by the shaker sisters to transport freshly cut herbs from the gardens to the kitchen and drying rooms. A brief history of shaker boxes lehays shaker boxes. Stein, a professor at indiana university, systematically covers the full range of shaker. The following reading list of books and publications includes books that are out of print and only available through public libraries.
The woodworking reference library making shaker oval boxes. Shaker oval boxes volume 1, author, john wilson shaker oval box books sold at highland woodworking. Visit our onsite shops located in the welcome center, post office and trustees office, each of which offers a unique selection of products and one. In this 3rd volume on shaker oval boxes, john wilson digs deep into their history and design, with sections on materials used, projects to build and guidance on. Whether instructing a class of eager students in basic to advanced box making, or training village staff and volunteers on the history, importance. Aug 11, 2015 a nonbeliever named george roberts made boxes at the new lebanon community from about 1920 to 1940 using original forms, however the only boxes being created by a shaker brother in the 20th century was at the sabbathday lake and alfred communities. Shaker style oval boxes from the 19th century oval and round boxes with simpler joints to reflect 18th century designs daniel is recognized by both the early american life directory of traditional american crafts and the society of american period furniture makers. They also have specific numbers of tails for each size box. The shakerstyle pantry box is a round bentwood box made by hand.