#1 - definitely ugly. I've seen much better lap desks in Fine Woodworking,
etc.

#2 - Nothing is "Shaker" about this version of the item. The term "Shaker"
is used today in ways that would make Mother Ann Lee roll over in her grave.

#3 - While Shakers would have used lap desks (when on the road selling
seeds, rockers, etc.), they certainly didn't invent the item. In reality,
as far as furniture goes, the Shakers "invented" very little. As most of
the carpeters (male and female) joined the community and were not born into
it, they also brought with them the skills and influences of the "world".
The style of the day was influenced by the Shaker rule of simplicity in
construction became the Shaker style. Unfortunately, anything that appears
to be of a simple design is labeled "Shaker" in hopes it will generate
additional interest in the item.


Brian




"Andy Dingley" wrote in message
news
It was somewhere outside Barstow when (J T)
wrote:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/arc/194/

What a piece of ugly - thought it was another of those Popular
Woodworking plans 8-)

What is "Shaker" about this design, and for that matter, when did the
Shakers make (let alone invent) lap desks ?