Make a Shaker Box (1 day)

Craft your own beautiful Shaker box using traditional techniques and materials. With its distinctive oval shape, bent-wood sides and carefully fitted lid, this will be an item to cherish.

Learn how to carve the characteristic swallow-tail joint and steam bend the wood into shape, securing it with copper tacks and tiny wooden pegs. We will use a combination of hand and power tools to create a “No 3” box (approx 7 inches long) with cherrywood sides and birchwood top*. Once dry, finish at home by applying oil to bring out the natural beauty of the wood.

This iconic box form follows the same patterns and methods used by the Shaker community over 200 years ago. Designed to store dry goods, boxes were made in gradating size and often painted different colours to indicate their contents.

Course open to all – from beginners to those with experience.

Tutor: Steve Carpenter

Following an early career as a glass blower, Steve went on to work in the military and then nursing. He loves all aspects of carpentry, woodcraft and sharing his skills with others. To see Steve’s own work, visit Carpenter’s Woodcraft

“A fabulous workshop making a shaker box. Steve is a brilliant teacher”

Materials

Wood, wooden pegs, copper tacks, consumables and use of all tools. *Wood type may vary depending on availability.
Materials fee: £20 per person (payable to the tutor at the end)
This is in addition to the course fee

Health & Safety: This practical workshop uses both hand and power tools. It involves sharp implements, heat and sawdust. Protective equipment will be provided where necessary. If this raises any concerns health-wise, you should seek medical advice before booking this course.

Lunch & Refreshments

A tasty light lunch is included in the course fee. Help yourself to drinks and biscuits throughout the day with homemade cake mid-afternoon. (Please let us know of any dietary requirements).

Timing

Arrival: Join us from 9.30am to settle in
Tuition: 10.00am – 5.00pm (with a break for lunch)

“I really enjoyed my day in this creative haven near Wirksworth. The studio is has plenty of natural light and the class size was nice and small”