donmabr1

After many years of doing Reproduction Colonial Furniture I fell in love with all things Shaker because of the simplicity, beauty and quality of their craftsmanship. I have been doing Shaker items almost exclusively for about 6 years now and devote the majority of my time and energy to oval boxes - with clocks coming in second. Although the boxes look very simple to make I learn something new everytime I make one and it's a never-ending challenge to see all the different looks that can be achieved through material selection, etc. And, more important than looks, is the effort to try and duplicate the craftsmanship of the original Shakers in this or any other item they built.

I started my little company around 4 years ago and now sell at antique/craft fairs, through my web-site and by word-of-mouth from previous customers. I take pride in the fact that I have been selected by Early American Life Magazine as one of the top 200 craftsmen in America for five consecutive years. But, my greatest compliment may lie in the fact that I'm able to count among my customers one of the most upscale, successful Shaker retail establishments in New England and possibly the entire country. A Shaker Box Maker who is accepted in New England is probably quite an achievement for a woodworker in Texas. Shaker is not the most popular or widely accepted style in Texas.

I have tremendous admiration and respect for some of the Shaker craftsmen I see in Fine Woodworking Magazine. It's obvious there is some real talent there. I learn from them, copy from them and am envious of their craftsmanship ability.

I hope I won't be an embarrassment to the people I'm referring to.