Broom Making: Push Brooms

Domestic fantasies aside, here’s what artist and educator Dan Hawkins has in mind for this two-day workshop!

Day one will begin with a discussion on the uses and applications of push brooms, the sweeping fiber (tampico) and the handle stock (locally sourced hardwoods).

Dan will demonstrate how to select a handle stock, lay out a handle shape, and using hand tools, students will learn to cut their sweeping head to length, and Dan will instruct on how many bristle holes each broom will need. Beginning with a safety lesson, students will use draw knives and small carving knives to shape their handles, ending day one with marking and drilling the broom head. While cutting or shaping the handle, students will lay out the bristle holes on the sweeping head.

Show up in your jumpsuit on day two and get ready to drill out your bristle holes! Dan will guide students through all the steps needed to complete their brooms including, drilling bristle holes, making bristles, touching up the broom handles, applying a finish to each handle and sweeping head and gluing up the bristles! With the bristles glued, the handle finished, and the sweeping head oiled, students will assemble their brooms and trimming bristles where desired. Star student awards will go out to those who are ready to sweep up the studio after class!