Broom maker

[CarolAnn]

One of the crafts I have wanted to learn is broom making. I found a website that sells materials:

http://www.recaddy.com/ec/index.php?cPath=21&osCsid=280c83e94905ba6ce435b298 a52dbc7f

Does anyone make their own brooms? Do you grow your own broomcorn? Make your own handles?

My small hand-made broom from the Ozark Folk Center is superb - reall gets the small stuff. I used it on the rock hearth under my wood stove and it was the best thing I ever found for getting between the rocks and down to the mortar.

[Sarah]

Yes, our people make our own, but this is not something I am that familiar with. I did some 'bed of nails' work when a child in my birth enclave.

We do not grow the broom corn. It is cheaper, and better quality, to buy bulk from overseas.

The 'invasive plants' laws hamper any such local production. :(

I use a horsehair brush, one inch bristle, for the hearth. I order what I need, and they make it for me, in an enclave near Kidron, Ohio. I may not give you contact information, but as Lehmans is close to that enclave, perhaps they will assist. I love it!

Sarah

[shawnhoefer]

One of the crafts I have wanted to learn is broom making.

It's a really great craft! I teach it now at the Ozark Folk Center in one-on-one classes... or you can take the full class at the Ozark Folk Center's Folk School.

Does anyone make their own brooms? Do you grow your own broomcorn? Make your own handles?

I make my own broom handles and grow a little bit of the corn... I order the rest from RE Caddy. As for the handles... any straight, strong stick will do for a kitchen broom. A shorter stick for a hearth or handled whisk is fine. A lighter, longer stick for cobwebbers... or no handles for standard whisks. Taking a walk through the woods with a handsaw and an eye for what you want is a great thing to do.

My small hand-made broom from the Ozark Folk Center is superb - reall gets the small stuff. I used it on the rock hearth under my wood stove and it was the best thing I ever found for getting between the rocks and down to the mortar.

Glad you're enjoying it!

[Saoirse]

Okay, I'm hooked. I think they also sell these at re-enactments. Got to have one. Thanks.