BROOM-CORN TO CORN-BROOM: From Simple Seeds and a Stick to a Useful Tool

Brett Walker will be teaching class participants the correct and documented history of broomcorn (Sorghum bicolor), as well as its many uses in early America. He will also teach the growing process, the selection of materials, and the hands-on making of your very own, lovely corn-broom. Skills and information will be taught in the following areas:

• Shop safety
• Understanding types of broom materials and their different uses
• Understanding of the history and cultivation of broomcorn
• Selection of broom-stick materials from one’s own woodlot
• Basic knife-work skills (to shape and prepare the broomstick)
• The basic broom-making stitch
• Conditioning and care of your broom, for long use.

At the day’s end, you should take home a rather unique, handmade, historically-correct, and truly functional item (Brett’s wife, Wendy, says that her brooms are unparalleled for sweeping tight crevices!), and will also possess the very skills and knowledge to grow broomcorn in your garden and to make brooms for every room in your house. Additionally, these skills to make a very personal, unique, and full-of-character gift for an upcoming birthday, wedding, housewarming, holiday, thank-you gift, or for any other celebration!

For ages 14 and up, with parental or guardian supervision for minors. [Waiver required.] This is a wonderful class to take as a parent-child shared activity, which we strongly encourage.