Handmade Broom

Cynthia Main is the founder of Sunhouse Craft, an artisan craft house in Berea, Kentucky, with a focus on brooms. She is an artist/maker whose work focuses on relating to land as part of an integral view of a more sustainable society. Cynthia’s strong background in woodworking and traditional craft surfaces in most of her projects, work that often uses traditional techniques for work that is collaborative, community building and strengthens connection to a place. Cynthia learned traditional broom making at Tillers International in 2013 and has practiced the art ever since. She weaves thousands of brooms a year at her studio.

• IntroductionLEARNING THE BASICS Overview of Appalachian Style Tools, Supplies, and what you’ll need Handbrooms: Turkey Wings Hawks Tail Whisks and Pot Scrubbers Rooster tail Floor brooms: Cobwebbers Traditional Appalachian 2 ways Hearth sweeps GOING DEEPER IN THE CRAFT Exploring fibers Using natural alternatives for bindingAlternative brush fibers Dyeing broomcornTools for the long haulClosing