An Intro to Appalachian Broom-making

Saturday October 17th from 10am-4pm

Join us for this introductory class on making Appalachian style brooms out of broomcorn (sorghum vulgare)

We will discuss a bit of history and plan to make both cobweb brooms and turkey wing whisk brooms.

Keep in mind that moderate hand and upper body strengths are helpful in this craft.

Please bring a lunch, a pair of scissors, a sharp knife, and a positive attitude!

This class will be taught by Emily Bell who resides in Asheville, NC but whose family roots are in Pendleton County, WV. Emily Bell has chosen to reclaim her ties to her heritage through a craft of hand tied brooms. She views her work as practical art: one that embodies beauty, simplicity, heritage, and functionality. When we truly belong to ourselves and to a place, we find grace and rhythm in the day to day tasks.  Emily’s handmade brooms are an invitation to the beauty of presence in the everyday.