Level - Beginner: No experience needed.
Come make a full-sized broom from start to finish in a single class! The term besom usually refers to European round brooms tied traditionally with birch twigs or heather. In this workshop, we'll use North American broomcorn instead, which is available in a wide variety of colors, and tie onto beautiful unfinished sticks. Your besom will make a great sweeper for porch, deck, garden path, or garage. This style is also quite popular as an altar broom.
This style provides a great introduction to tying full-sized brooms. If you are interested in making a traditional (stitched flat) kitchen broom, this is where to start. Tying a broom is a stress-reducing, full-body practice -- and a great workout. You’ll use both feet to hold tension and both hands to manipulate the cord and wrap the broom tightly. Tying onto a stick requires a certain amount of strength and dexterity. You'll feel this in your arms and shoulders when you pull the cord tight, and then tighter!
Price includes ~$20 in materials.
Class size limited to 6 students.
Class Cancelation Policy:
If you cancel more than 30 days before the beginning of your class, we will offer you store credit in the amount of your class. Cancelation with less than 30 days notice will result in the forfeiture of your entire course fee. However, if we are able to fill your spot, we will offer store credit in the amount of the class.
If we cancel a class, you can choose to receive a full refund or store credit.
About the instructor:
Robert is an enthusiastic learner, teacher, and crafter living and working in the Portland area. He started Redmond Philbert Handwork primarily to support his need to make new brooms daily. Beyond the visceral joy of broom-making, Robert is interested in elevating natural materials over synthetic alternatives and loves to incorporate color into his work, making an everyday object and an everyday activity feel special, vibrant, and even fun.
