by Trish LeHay October 01, 2020
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
October 01, 2020
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.
October 01, 2020
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
October 01, 2020
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.
October 01, 2020
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 .
October 01, 2020
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
October 01, 2020
Thank you, Trish! I will look forward to your blog posts! I always love learning about wood! 😊
October 01, 2020
Looking forward to visiting your site. Good read. Dan
October 01, 2020
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)!
October 01, 2020
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!
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October 01, 2020
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 :))