It’s been an incredible few weeks at Branch & Blooms Co. Between preparing for end-of-year teacher gifts, custom sports team orders, and finishing up some graduation frames for local high schoolers, the workshop has been buzzing. But there is one specific product that has sparked so many conversations lately: our Apple Teacher Shaker.
I recently had a FaceTime call with my mom to show her one of the finished pieces. I was feeling pretty proud—mostly because when a friend first reached out and asked if I could make one for her daughter’s teacher, I wasn’t entirely sure how I’d pull it off. I had to play it by ear, test different designs, and just see if I could create something that met my standards.
As I was showing it off to my mom, she asked me, “Where did you buy all those tiny little hearts and the layered background picture?”
I was actually surprised! It hadn’t occurred to me that people might think these are assembled from pre-made kits. I realized then that there is so much detail that goes into a “simple” product that people never see.
From Scratch: The Anatomy of a Shaker
Every single piece of these shakers is designed and made right here from scratch. To give you a peek behind the curtain, here is what goes into a single Apple Shaker:
- The Foundation: I use a combination of 1/4" Birchwood and 1/8" Basswood to create the sturdy, high-quality feel of the frame and the backing.
- The Window: Each shaker features a precision-cut acetate sheet, allowing you to see the “filler” inside while keeping everything secure.
- The Tech: My machine handles the heavy lifting of engraving the fine details, etching the personalized names, and cutting out the intricate layers that give the shaker its depth.
- The Labor of Love: As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, my current diode laser isn’t the best at cutting acrylic. Because of that, every single tiny heart you see inside those apples is hand-painted by me.
A “Good” Problem to Have
The response to these has been overwhelming. It is so cool to see the orders pouring in, and I am incredibly grateful for every single one.
I’ve been trying to “work ahead” and build up a stock of extra shakers so I can stay ahead of the rush, but honestly? I haven’t been able to find the time because the orders keep coming in faster than I can prep the extras!
It’s definitely a “good problem” to have, and it makes the long hours of painting tiny hearts and watching the laser etch those final names feel so rewarding. Whether it’s for a teacher who made a difference this year or a graduation frame for a deserving senior, thank you for letting me create these keepsakes for you.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes looks at what’s coming off the laser next!
Interested in a custom piece? Check out the latest listings in the Etsy shop.
