Rob LeHay of LeHays Shaker Boxes with items in progress

A Winter Update from the Workshop

I hope everyone has had a great start to the new year. Hard to believe we’re already well into January.

It’s been really cold here in Maine, with snow on the way, so it’s been a good time to stay in the workshop and make some progress.

Tricia snapped a couple of photos of me recently while I was trying to get things sorted and organized — always a work in progress. I also took a photo of the early morning sun coming through the workshop window before the snow arrives. Early mornings are still my favorite time of day in the shop; it’s quiet, the light is good, and it’s a great way to start the day.

Rob LeHay of LeHays Shaker Boxes with items in progress

Work has been moving along steadily, and I currently have a large batch of boxes and carriers in progress. Many of these pieces are already spoken for, but as usual there will be a good number of extras once everything is completed.

Here’s a quick look at where things are right now:

  • The painted boxes are complete.

  • Next up are the painted divided carriers, pin cushions, and trays, which should be finished within the next three or four days.

  • After that, I’ll be applying finish to the natural boxes and divided carriers, a process that should take about three weeks.

  • The final pieces in this batch will be the fixed handle carriers and paper-lined boxes, which I expect to wrap up around mid to late March.

I had originally planned to list all of the extra items at once near the end of March. However, I’m considering listing some of the painted and naturally finished pieces earlier, and then releasing the remaining items once the final pieces are completed. I’ll share more details as that plan comes together.

Early morning sun shining on Shaker Boxes, LeHay's Shaker Boxes Embden, Maine

Looking ahead, it’s shaping up to be a busy year with several special projects involving needlework designers and needlework guilds. I’m very excited about those opportunities and grateful for the continued support that makes this work possible.

I do my best to keep my current schedule updated on the website for anyone looking for additional information - please Click Here

Thank you, as always, for your continued support - it’s very much appreciated!