While simplicity and functionality played a major role in furniture and household items, fine craftsmanship and the integration of detailing has become synonymous with the “Shaker” style.

These joyous boxes are a true representation of the balance between form and function where the “fingers” or “gothic arches” cleverly combine functional construction with a beautiful design element.

In this time-honoured process participants will learn how to:

Lay out, cut, shape and feather the fingers

Prepare the bands ready for steaming

Wrap and pin the steamed bands with copper tacks

Fit the tops and bottoms to individual boxes and fit the formers

Sand the boxes ready for finishing

Finishing may include one or all of the following depending on time: shellac and wax, oil and wax, coloured milk paint, ebonising