Greetings! First, I want to thank you all for your kind and thoughtful comments on the last blog. You certainly know how to make a girl feel welcome!
Well, here we are in November, bracing ourselves for the winter months and all that they will bring. Firewood is stacked, snow tires are on and everyone is wearing blaze orange, even the dogs and horses. Rob listed the #10 & #12 boxes a few days ago and the response was amazing! He will be listing the #0 and #1 carriers on Etsy later in the month, these are great tree ornaments and gift holders for such things as cards and jewelry. The ultimate reusable gift box!
Rob with the #10 and #12 Boxes
Some of you may know that Rob has an avid interest in hiking. He has hiked several sections of the Appalachian Trail, most recently, in September the 100 Mile Wilderness.
Near Gulf Hagas Mountain, 100 Mile Wilderness
These experiences lead to an idea for a project on his property near the Shop. Over the past couple of months he has worked as time allowed, a few hours at a time building a beautiful cedar timber walkway through the woods. The path finishes at a clearing surrounded by maple and cedar trees where he hopes to one day build a small cabin. The ground along the path is covered in a carpet of soft emerald green moss. I really wish this photo were “scratch and sniff”! If peaceful had a scent, this would be it.
The New Shop Trail
Last month we shared with you the first few steps in making a Shaker box. We left off with the lumber drying in the kiln. After it is finished drying, it is cut to length and run through a drum sander to achieve the correct thickness for the band.
The fingers or swallowtail joints are then traced onto the band using metal patterns and a good old No. 2 pencil. The fingers are rough cut on a band saw and the bands are put through the drum sander one more time using a finer grit sandpaper.
Tracing the "fingers"
Next, Rob “feathers” the bands. To do this, he sands one end to a fine taper on a belt sander. Feathering is also a very effective way to sand off fingertips, he now tapes his fingers for this job!
"Feathering" the Bands
Now it’s beginning to look like the start of a Shaker box. The fingers (swallowtail joints) are then trimmed individually by Rob using a sheetrock knife. To me, this appears to be a tedious, repetitive process. To Rob, it’s a good time to get lost in an Audible book, watch Star Trek (again) and check out hiking videos!
Trimming the "fingers"
Fun Facts
Did you know…… The Shakers got their name because they believed that worship should involve their entire bodies, not just their voices. They sang, played music, and danced ecstatically during services. They were originally called the Shaking Quakers, this name was later shortened to Shakers.
Exploring the State of Maine with LeHay’s Shaker Boxes
One of my favorite activities is daytripping around our state of Maine. The thought occurred to me that I could take a LeHay’s Shaker box along with me and get a few pictures to share with you! October’s daytrip took me to Camden and Owl’s Head on a spectacular sunny day. I hope you enjoy!
Camden Harbor from the summit of Mt. Battie
Sea Green #4 Box Overlooking the Sea at Camden, Maine
#1 Carrier at Owl's Head
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Sue craig
December 19, 2020
I have 2.boxes already and put a piece of needlework in them for my 2 girls just ordered 2more for myself great work