Continuing the Shaker Box Making LegacyMother Anne Lee, the spiritual leader of the Shaker movement in 1700’s America coined this simple yet profound proclamation, “Hands to work hearts to God.” ese words of admonition were a way of life for those who chose to be a part of the Shaker communal lifestyle. e Shaker’s believed that the maker of the universe created human beings in His own image. Being created by a creative God in the image of God gave the Shakers a passion to produce things both simply beautiful and useful as an expression of their God likeness. e Shakers were quite inventive and succeeded in producing products that made their daily lives more efficient allowing them time to dedicate themselves more fully to God.

Of all the Shaker creations the oval box was

certainly the most popular product offered to the outside world. e functionality of these pantry boxes provided many opportunities for storage. Not only were they great organizers but they could also be easily transported or tucked away. Boxes were made incrementally so when not in use many boxes could be nested together and reduced into one piece.

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Today these simple and functional works of art are highly prized by collectors and a stack of $ve or more nesting boxes is a pleasure to own. Unfortunately antique boxes are becoming hard to $nd and they oen command very high prices. e good news is that the Shaker oval box is as easy to create today as it was 200 years ago. With the right materials and a few simple tools and patterns we can step back in time as I teach you to form the mysterious Shaker oval box.

During our class time together we will produce $ve nesting boxes per person enrolled in the class. ere will be short periods of lecture and demonstration but most of the weekend will be a hands-on workshop with plenty of time for questions and personal attention.

As a small Shaker box making community we will put our hands to creative work. Your hearts are yours to give as you please. All are welcome to take this Shaker box making class, but for safety’s sake you must be sixteen years of age or older. Some basic woodworking skills are helpful but not necessary. We will use small drills, band saws, and sanders. e use of these simple and safe tools will be taught on day one. Making Shaker oval boxes is a very rewarding process and quite simple to construct when basic instructions are followed.

First we select our wood for the boxes.Once our box veneers are chosen, we cut out the box’s swallow tail $ngers, drill tack holes, and carve a bevel on the $ngers.Next we cook the veneer band in a tray of hot water. When the bands are pliable we bend them around molds. Now we are ready to tack together our bands with copper tacks. We then place our boxes on a drying mold over night.Boxes will dry over night and be ready for tops and bottoms to be $tted by next day class time. Once tops and bottoms are $tted, we fasten them in place with wooden pegs.Boxes are now ready for smoothing with simple tools and sandpaper. Once boxes are ready for $nal $nish we will discuss methods of $nishing. We will proceed with $nishing the boxes as our time together permits.

By the end of the weekend you will have $ve nesting boxes to take home and enjoy. I look forward to our time together as we strive to continue the Shaker box making legacy.

John Bachman

PLEASE SEE THE REGISTRATION FORM BELOW....

Shaker Box Making Workshop with John Bachman

Class Location: Bachman Woodworking 15156 County Road 22 Goshen, IN 46528 Phone: 574-825-9667

Class Date: Friday & Saturday, January 24 & 25, 2014 Friday: 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Noon lunch on Saturday is provided

Registration Due: December 15, 2013

ank you for your registration! We look forward to seeing you!

Shaker Box Making Registration Form

Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

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Registration Deposit of $50 included (Deposit is non-refundable)

Final payment of $200 due at $rst class.

TOTAL COST: $250.00

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Please make checks to Bachman Woodworking.