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Former language arts teacher Marion Mitchell, who is also a lifelong history buff and re-enactor, had always been fascinated with antique wooden boxes made by the Shakers and others dating back hundreds of years. Marion spent time observing dulcimer makers to learn the secrets of bending wood to form the boxes. Over time, he made his own improvements to their time-tested designs, such as creating his own unique wooden hinge for Shaker-style sewing baskets and updating an ancient Norwegian-style basket called a 'tina' with a unique locking lid. The latter type of basket dates back to the Viking era in 800 AD.