Overview
Since 1993, LeHay’s Shaker Boxes has been a proud member of a group of artisans working in early American crafts. While mass-produced, machine-made items have replaced many traditional products, nothing can replace the individuality of an item that has been created by hand using local, all-natural materials. Instantly recognizable, the Shaker box is an iconic piece of American craftsmanship. By concentrating on the functional aspects of an item and omitting unnecessary ornament the Shakers produced timeless designs. Shaker boxes were traditionally used for cooking and sewing supplies, but they can easily hold anything from mementos to electronics while adding warmth and beauty to your space. I chose to create boxes in the Shaker style not only because of their desirability as an antique but also because of their durability and usefulness. My goal is to remain true to Shaker traditions. My products are created using the same craftsmanship that the Shaker community used for over 200 years.
My materials are either produced here on my property or come from small, American businesses. I mill my lumber on site from raw maple and pine logs to guarantee the highest quality from start to finish, and the tops and bottoms of all except the largest boxes are quartersawn pine, not veneer. For authentic antique colors I use all-natural finishes including milk paint, dyes and Tung oil. The boxes are fastened with copper tacks that have been darkened to provide an aged finish. Every part of the boxes is completed individually by my own hands. I believe the act of creating, and helping others to create, is as important as the finished product itself. That’s why I supply not only the boxes, but materials necessary for others to participate in the craft as well. The Shakers were a society of makers. They built what they needed with their own hands from local resources. LeHay’s continues that tradition, creating a quality product that also benefits the local economy, honors local history and passes along the knowledge to future generations.