Activity Search

Description: Perhaps the most recognizable form of Shaker woodenware is the oval box. These beautiful bentwood boxes were made for use by the Shakers as well as for sale to the "world". The oval box was made in most Shaker communities, most notably by Brother Delmar Wilson (1873-1961) of the Sabbath Day Lake community in Maine. In this live demonstration, long time Randall Museum instructor Bob Treanor shows how to make a beautiful oval box by hand in the traditional manner. He’ll demonstrate how to cut the “swallowtail” joints, and how to prepare, shape and soak the box sides, bend the sides around a form and carefully fit the tops and bottoms. Bob will demonstrate finishing techniques, and discuss resources for wood, box making supplies, patterns and forms. Free to Randall Museum Members. This is a live virtual class taught on the Zoom platform. Students must have a stable internet connection, and must download the free Zoom application before class begins.