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Join Chuck Thorne, featured in Fine Woodworking Magazine, in a 2-day woodworking class resulting in your very own stack of oval Shaker boxes.
This hands-on workshop offers the chance to learn the techniques behind these iconic oval boxes, renowned for their minimalist elegance, functional simplicity, and durability.
Schedule:
- This workshop is 2 days: August 29 and 30, 10am – 4pm. You must attend both classes to complete your boxes.
What You’ll Experience:
- A Journey into Shaker History: An introduction to the Shaker communities, their philosophy of “beauty in utility,” and the historical context that gave rise to their distinctive furniture and household items, including the Shaker box.
- Mastering Traditional Techniques:
- Wood Preparation: Selecting and preparing the thin strips of hardwood (often maple or cherry) that form the sides of the box.
- Bending and Shaping: Utilizing steam and specialized forms to achieve the characteristic oval shape of the box and its lid.
- Swallowtail Finger Joints: Precisely cutting and fitting the iconic “swallowtail” or “fingers” that secure the bent wood.
- Coppering: Attaching the lid and securing the joints with traditional copper tacks.
- Finishing: Discussion of various finishing options.
- Your Own Handcrafted Keepsake: By the end of the class you will have constructed your own authentic Shaker boxes and gained a deeper appreciation for the detail and design in Shaker work.
No prior woodworking experience is necessary. Familiarity with basic hand tools is helpful but not required. All tools and materials will be provided — just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
Tickets available at Eventbrite.com!