Shaker Oval Boxes
Our oval boxes are made on reproductions of the forms and templates used at many Shaker communities during the mid-19th century. Like the Shakers, we produce our oval boxes in nine different sizes and like the original Shaker numbering system (No. 00 being the smallest box and No. 7 being the largest box) we use a graduated numbering system. We, like the Shakers, handcraft our oval boxes of select northern hard maple with clear pine tops and bottoms, secured by solid copper tacks. The Shakers used copper tacks because they won't rust or discolor the wood. Tops and bottoms are fastened with wooden pegs. Handled carriers have ash wood handles also secured, as were the originals, by solid copper tacks. Our unfinished boxes look great either oiled or painted. Oiled boxes are treated with teak oil, which adds to the durability of the hard maple. The oiled boxes you see above are shown in front of a reproduction of a Shaker wood box in the Andrews Collection - save that it's done in cedar given that it sits on the exterior porch of our shop. Painted boxes are finished with milk paint, a common finish in the early 19th century.
Long-time member
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Fast shipper
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
Great service
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
Maker of Shaker reproductions and custom designed Shaker furniture, Shaker boxes, and woodenware. Whenever possible we use wood repurposed from shipping crates and pallets. Every summer we also show at the Lansdale Farmers' Market in Lansdale, PA (http://www.lansdalefarmersmarket.org/) on Saturdays from 9AM to 1PM.
Over the last few months, due to circumstances beyond my control, I have struggled to meet deadlines and complete projects in a timely manner. First let me apologize for not completing your work as promised, and please allow me to explain why. So, here goes.
One of the reasons that I originally became a craftsman was as a result of dealing with a chronic illness. In early 2000 I was diagnosed with third stage Lyme Disease. The blood tests showed an incredibly high bacteria level in my blood and numerous spinal taps and scans (CT’s, MRI’s, PET’s and SPECT’s) showed a lot of neurological damage. In addition, Lyme also causes a lot of physical damage and the symptoms are similar to those of chronic fatigue, ALS, MS, peripheral neuropathy, and fibromyalgia (to name a few) all rolled into one. Plus, Lyme is immunosuppressive and leaves one open to any little germ that wanders by. The doctors estimated that, based on the test results, I’d had Lyme for at least 20 years, probably much longer. By late 2001 I was forced into accepting early retirement and the fact that I was disabled. Being a bank VP became a fond (if occasionally foggy) memory.
Over the years, because I have been able to work at the times when I am feeling my best and, by not necessarily adhering to a 9-5 schedule, I am able to be fairly productive. Occasionally, however, my illness takes a nasty turn and knocks me off my feet for more than a day or two at a time, but I am usually able to keep working. Nevertheless, after having recovered from a particularly nasty bout of pneumonia in November my immune system was weakened more than originally thought, leaving me more vulnerable to contract a double whammy of the flu and pneumonia in March, despite having had a flu shot (for flu A, but I contracted flu B, naturally). According to Abington Memorial Hospital, in April there was a new flu epidemic and their hospital was filled to capacity with flu patients, one of which I was for most of the last half of the month. Fortunately, I am on the road to recovery, but it has been a slow journey. I am, finally, starting to get my feet back under me.
I apologize for the delay in completing your projects as promised. Please know that we are getting back on track and I will be finishing all jobs as quickly as possible. I genuinely appreciate your patience and understanding during this unfortunate delay. If you have any questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Maker Policies
Discover true craftsmanship each week
A guide to the best items from the best makers and the stories behind them.
