Ref: S2D41217
You will learn how to make a beautiful and traditional swing-handled Shaker box with an inner tray. No previous woodworking experience is needed.
The course takes you step-by-step through the box making process, learning traditional techniques including bending wood using hot water, cutting the iconic Shaker swallow tail with a knife, securing the bands with copper tacks and the bases with wooden pegs. These delightful sturdy lightweight boxes are made without using any glue.
In addition to completing your box there will be time to learn something about the history of bentwood boxes and the Shakers, their communities and the principles underpinning their designs. By the end of the course you will know the processes involved in making a Shaker box and be able to safely use the skills acquired on the course. An instruction booklet will be provided for you to take home.
On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials. Where possible the student will be given some choice over the material used to make the box.
Notebook and pen
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
During my career in engineering I discovered Shaker boxes; they captivated me. What began as a hobby grew over the course of 20 years, into a business. Based in rural Dorset, I now supply galleries across the South West and run courses.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Our Foundation Degree specialising in Furniture is designed to give you well-rounded woodworking theory and craft skills to become a self-employed maker or craftsperson, to continue your studies in higher education or to find employment in the creative industry sector. Find out more
