Besom Broom Workshop at Shaker Village

Name: Besom Broom Workshop at Shaker Village
Start: 2025-10-31T10:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-10-31T13:00:00-04:00
Location: 707 Shaker Rd, New Gloucester, ME, United States, Maine 04260

Schedule

Fri Oct 31 2025 at 10:00 am to 01:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

707 Shaker Rd, New Gloucester, ME, United States, Maine 04260 | New Gloucester, ME

Register online at https://maineshakers.com/event/besom-broom2/
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, distinctive sticks. Your besom will make a great sweeper for porch, deck, garden path, or garage. This style is also 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; it is more physically challenging than tying a whisk broom. You’ll feel this in your arms and shoulders when you pull the cord tight, and then tighter! Broom tying is best attempted with bare or stockinged feet, so please be prepared to take your shoes off during class.
Level – Beginner: No experience needed.
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.
Did you know that current members of The Friends of the Shakers receive $5 off each workshop? Sign up or renew today for your discount!
Register online at https://maineshakers.com/event/besom-broom2/