Participants will learn how to make the beautiful detail shown here.

Participants will learn how to make the beautiful detail shown here.

Wednesday, September 4 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. AND
Thursday, September 5 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Olga Community Center

From Madie Murray

Before 1797, brooms in America were home and hand-made, often by just tying  something on a stick or handle: straw, hay, fine twigs or corn husks.  Today, it is practically a lost art, but Kevin and Sarah Miller of Skagit Broomworks is bring this amazing craft to Orcas Island to teach those wishing to learn how to make a truly beautiful artisan broom.

The brooms will be made from unprocessed broom corn using antique tools and traditional methods.

Here are the particulars:

On the first day – Participants will make a cobweb broom and hearth broom for the fireplace while learning the basics of broom making and discussing broom history and lore.

Portrait-sm

Sarah and Kevin Miller of Skagit Broomwork

On the second day – A full-size floor/porch broom will be made as well as pot scrubbers and brushes as time allows.

Cost is $135 for BOTH days and includes materials.  Participants may also bring their own natural, dried handles if they wish (1″ to 1.25″ in diameter) but handles will be also be part of the materials supplied by the Millers.

Early reservations are encouraged as the class size is limited to 15.  Call Edith Thomsen at 376-2446 or email her at rosecovers@interisland.net.

This unique workshop is presented by the Olga Strawberry Council.