You will learn how to make a beautiful set of three nesting Shaker boxes. No previous woodworking experience is needed. You will be taken 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 and securing the bands with copper tacks and bases with wooden pegs. These boxes are made without using any glue.

Along the way, 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.

Included

The course fee includes the cost of providing all materials required for your set of boxes.

What students need to bring

• an Apron and Stout covered footwear to wear in the workshop – essential
• notebook and pen

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.

Terms & Conditions