Shaker style Stitchers Trays Lined with 19th Century Newspaper

Paper-Lined Shaker Trays and Boxes Available for the Holidays!

I’ve just finished a new collection of paper-lined Shaker trays and boxes, and I’m happy to share that they will be available here on the website on Tuesday, November 25th at 12:00 noon (EST). This will be my final batch for 2025, and it includes a wide selection of handcrafted pieces - ideal for sewing rooms, gift-giving, or simply adding a useful Shaker-style item to your home.

A Focus on Paper-Lined Trays

This release includes 91 individual paper-lined trays, along with 10 tray sets and 4 paper-lined sewing carriers. Most of the trays feature floral paper linings, while a portion are lined with authentic 19th-century newspapers (and a couple from 1901). I always enjoy working with the authentic newspaper linings - although I often find myself getting distracted reading the articles and advertising!

Tray sizes range from #2 through #5, offering options for everything from small tools and notions to larger sewing and craft items. This batch also includes a brand-new size #2 tray, a small but extremely useful piece that works well for rings, desk supplies, or organizing small items in a craft room.

Shaker Stitchers Trays Lined with Vintage Style Paper

 

A Few Paper-Lined Shaker Boxes

In addition to trays, there will be a small number of paper-lined Shaker boxes available. These are constructed using traditional methods, with maple bands, quarter-sawn pine tops and bottoms, and copper tacks made on 19th-century machines. Each box is lined with original 19th-century newspapers.

Shaker Oval Box Lined with 19th Century Newspaper, LeHay's Shaker Boxes

A One-of-a-Kind Antique Grain Measure

One particularly special item in this release is a restored 19th-century grain measure. Trish and I found it at a local antique shop. The exterior had great patina, but the bottom had been replaced with a poorly fitted board. I removed the replacement piece, cleaned and trimmed the lower edge, then fitted a new bottom board. Rather than attempt to artificially age the new wood, I lined the interior with an original 1883 issue of The American Cultivator, and lined the bottom with an 1893 newspaper.

The exterior remains untouched except for a light cleaning. It’s a sturdy, functional piece with beautiful wear from years of use—an unusual find that displays well in a sewing room, living room, or craft space.

Robert LeHay holding a refurbished Grain Measure Lined with 19th Century Newspaper

A Good Opportunity for Holiday Shopping

Most items in this release fall in the $30–$60 range, making them excellent choices for holiday gifts. Many customers use these trays and boxes for sewing supplies, needlework tools, embroidery projects, desktop organization, and general household use. Each piece is handcrafted here in Embden, Maine, using traditional Shaker methods and lumber milled on site.

Looking Ahead

During the month of December, I’ll be preparing lumber for the upcoming year. After that, I’ll begin the next batch, which will include various sizes of Shaker boxes, carriers, and trays based on requests I’ve received recently. I also plan to make a few more button boxes lined with Civil War–era newspaper fragments.

Thank you so much for your continued support. I hope you enjoy this final batch of 2025, and as always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.