Shaker Style Divided Carrier by Tom McKinney

Skillfully and meticulously crafted by instructor Tom McKinney, this beautiful Shaker-style Carrier is made from walnut and maple. Details include copper brads where the wood overlaps and also where the divider attaches to the curved frame.  The carrier is 14 1/2" long, 10" wide, with a 3" side and 4 1/2" to the top of the gently arching handle.  Shakers brought with them their practical design principles, which were based upon creating only what was needed and building those essentials to withstand the test of time. The Shaker-style of bentwood boxes and carriers have been made in the US since the 18th century. Long-appreciated for their beauty and many uses, they are also a fun woodworking project that introduces a variety of skills. Historically, divided carriers were used for various purposes through the years including bringing herbs in from the garden, as well as carriers for silverware and condiments. A carrier is simply a box with a handle, and can be put to practical or decorative use. 

Tom McKinney recently returned to North House Folk School where he taught Shaker-Style Carriers for a group of grateful and excited students!