Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Shaker Box Treasures



I've loved shaker boxes for as long as I can remember. There is something about the shape and form of the boxes. The variety of woods and grains. The workmanship in bending such thin wood to create a strong box that withstands the test of time and use. I wasn't fortunate enough to acquire antique shaker boxes, but gradually collected new boxes from a variety of artists. The stack to the right above were my first purchase - I think I was still in high school.

Can you believe that the two on the right were purchased several years and many miles apart?!

I love all the unusual shapes, proportions and wood grains. And it is a wonderful place to store my stitching supplies and treasures.
Between Christmas and New Year's I stopped in an antique store that was having an end of year sale to take peek. My heart leaped when I saw an antique prim shaker box - well used and loved.

Once I held it, I didn't let it go! Wahoo - a wonderful find! When I spoke with the sweet dealer that owned the box, I found that she had purchased a small collection of boxes from the estate sale of an elderly woman. Well I couldn't let the collection be split up could I?

So I also bought this wonderful box - more of a pantry box than a traditional shaker box. This box is signed C. Talbot - burnt into the wood. I'm not sure how old/new the decoration is on the top of the box - this is also signed - Lois Lamson of Randolph Vermont. Isn't it beautiful? Perfect for this time of year. I must do a little research when I find some time.
And finally, my biggest purchase of the day:


This matched set of four antique shaker boxes!
I wasn't planning on spending my Christmas money so quickly, but when treasures like this present themselves you just can't pass them up. :) I wish these boxes could talk and tell me their tales...

Praise the LORD, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD.
-Psalm 117
Blessings, Patti

9 comments:

lynda said...

what a wonderful find! I love Shaker boxes as well...you have a beautiful collection

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Oh my goodness...I love Shaker Boxes too. I've been wanting to take the classes that they offer on weekends in the Spring or Fall at Pleasant Hill, KY Shakertown, but I've never been able to work it out. Your collection is just wonderful and your finds exquisite. Lucky you!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

I love Shaker boxes, too! What awesome finds and to find a whole set together - WoW!!! Lucky girl - they're all beautiful~

Sue said...

What treasures! They are gorgeous!

Sue

Sherry said...

I love anything Shaker but especially the boxes! I have wanted to start a collection of them. Lucky you! They are just beautiful!

Nan ~ Threadwork Primitives said...

I'm a true shaker fan too and you have a beautiful collection. Love the displays.

bayrayschild said...

Your collection of Saker boxes are right up my alley Patti!

They are all wonderful. There's something about wooden objects that just speak to me.

Hugs, Audrey

Julie said...

I love Shaker boxes too, you have some beautiful ones!

corinna said...

great boxes
lovely craftsmanship
of course they could not be sold apart......
fun when an item speaks to you

thats how i feel about my velvety punkin..... :0)