Beginner: No experience needed, and this class provides a great introduction to broom making skills.

In this class, you’ll learn how to attach whole broomcorn to a hardwood broomstick.  The stalks can be woven down the handle in the traditional manner or bound in a contemporary ‘corseted’ style.  You’ll also learn how to stitch your cobwebber, which is a great introduction to the stitching technique used to create more advanced kitchen brooms.

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. You’ll leave class with a fabulous cobweb broom and the basic skills needed to explore different styles in the future.

Your instructor is Robert Sheckler of Redmond Philbert Handwork, an enthusiastic learner, teacher, and crafter living and working in the Portland area. 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.