Greetings, my name is Trish. I’m going to be blogging for Rob so that he can continue to focus his time, talents, and energy on creating Shaker boxes and carriers.
We are enjoying a beautiful, mild autumn so far here in Embden, Maine. The trees are turning rusty reds, golds, and oranges. The days are crisp and refreshing.
Rob with #10 & #12 boxes, ready for the finishing touches
There are several steps (an astonishing number actually) to making these boxes and carriers. Each month I will feature a few steps in the process. It just so happens that Rob recently completed the first handful of steps.
Finding the perfect maple and pine logs. These logs will be milled into boards that are 1/8” thick for the maple bands and 3/8” thick for the pine tops and bottoms.
The talented sawyer, Dave quartersaws this huge pine log down to 3/8” thick boards. Many, many, many boards.
Stacking the lumber in the dry kiln. Rob just received a fresh load of maple and pine which is drying now. These will be next year’s boxes!
I realize it’s a little early but I wanted to let everyone know that November’s Etsy will bring #10 and #12 boxes in color Antique Natural, #0 and #1 carriers in various colors and several other items just in time for the holidays!
If you have a LeHay’s Shaker Box and would like to share a photo with us (possibly for future blog post!), we’d love that. See you next month and as always thank you for supporting small business!!
Fun Facts
Did you know….. the Shakers numbered more than just their boxes. They numbered rooms in their houses (!) to help keep domestic life in order. They also numbered the chairs they made. Interestingly, the chairs were numbered 0 (smallest) to 7 (largest) but the boxes were the opposite being numbered 1 (largest) to 11 (smallest). At some point in time, the numbering of the boxes was changed so that the smallest number coincided with the smallest box and upward from there which is how they are numbered today. *
*Information taken from Shaker Museum, Mount Lebanon: www.shakerml.wordpress.com
I bought 2boxes and put 2 of my crossstitch pieces on them and gave to my girls they just loved them
I am “on the list” for a couple of items once you are able to catch up. I would love to hear more about how stitchers use your products – what designs fit what boxes and how they use your trays for their tools. Looking forward to supporting such a quality product!
I was first introduced to Rob from his parents at the Better Living Building in West Springfield. They made furniture and had boxes there as well. I am so happy for his success and so looking forward in these blogs and doing business as well. Hope parents are still in his life and love them and miss seeing them over the years. Such a wonderful family,
Love reading the blog! Welcome Trish, look forward to more 😁🌻
I had no idea that somewhere along the way the box sizes reversed. Very interesting! Thanks for keeping us informed!
Love hearing the process of how the boxes are made and am looking forward to receiving future copies of the blog.
Love your blog. Great information. I just ordered two items for Rob and can’t wait to get them. His work is amazing.
Loved your blog and the information about how the boxes are made. I have a complete stack of boxes that I enjoy and use for storing my cross stitch.
I enjoyed reading your first blog and seeing how your wonderful artwork begins. The Shakers have always interested me.
I really liked having this post to read & pics to enjoy! I had no idea the #10 & #12 boxes are so grand. Looking forward to future updates :))
So glad to see this new feature to keep us all updated. I have enjoyed all of the items I have ordered. Robert is great to work with and his items are beautiful. Can’t wait to order a new piece.
How wonderful to receive this newsletter! I look forward to learning more from these postings and in supporting your efforts.
Thank you so very much
I have a couple of his trays. I love them. I will be looking for new stock in his etsy shop. Such quality work and beautiful products.
Thank you for these interesting facts. It was my intention to visit this year ( from Australia ) but COVID got in the way, hopefully next year. Best wishes .
I just love your work! I am so glad to read your new blog. Always want to add to my collection!!! Thanks for the invite. Peggi
Thank you, Trish! I will look forward to your blog posts! I always love learning about wood! 😊
Looking forward to visiting your site. Good read. Dan
Congratulations! I look forward to your future blogs posts! I’ve purchased a few beautiful pieces at the Ridgefield, CT and I love them (still)!
Lovely blog and great pictures and information. A future post might include Shaker history. I’m on the left coast, so I know of the Shakers, but not so much the details. Thanks!
So happy that Rob has a blog, looking forward to seeing new items, Good job Trish.
I am pleased with each box I have purchased! This blog and updates is enjoyable and interesting to get info on these boxes and the craftsman!
What a treat to get the blog. Love the wood information. You rock, Trish!
I love all of the items he makes. He is truly one talented man !
I am also looking forward to reading your newsletter every month.
Best of luck to you !
Great job on the first post and thank you for the help Trish – it’s greatly appreciated!
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Janet Jackson
November 24, 2020
With a small lehays shaker box, made a God Box. Glued, inside top rim, a ribbon on top. Attached tag to ribbon “God Box”. Small pieces of paper, small pencil inside for prayers, etc. My sister said it is her all time favorite gift, forever, Thank you, Mr Lehays.