It is perhaps the most iconic of Shaker objects: an oval box. You’ll make two in this intensive two-day workshop: #2- and #3-sized traditional oval boxes. Beginners welcome.

Day 1 Learn to carve swallow tails, prepare wood for bending, bend the boxes, and fit wood onto drying forms.

Day 2 Measure and cut box tops and bottoms, fit side bands, and tack into place. At least one coat of shellac will be applied. Workshop also includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the Village’s woodworking-related collection.

Instructor: Rick Ryer. An interpreter at Hancock Shaker Village since 2012, Rick learned to make oval boxes with master box-maker Steve Grasselli. Rick regularly gives demonstrations of oval box-making in the Brethren’s Shop and has taught oval box workshops since 2013.