Instructor - Denise Taranto

Course Fee - $20.00

Materials Fee - $40.00

Explore the traditional Appalachian craft of broom making. Using a foot treadle, nylon twine, and broomcorn, create 3 whisks in one sitting. You will make a car whisk, a cake tester, and an iron skillet brush or wok brush or vegetable brush. This is a beginner class and the skill builders being taught are foot treadle management, twine bindings, and plaiting with leather. No experience necessary but moderate hand strength is needed.

Materials: scissors and a utility knife with a new blade - all other supplies provided by instructor.

Denise, a serial crafter, has been making baskets since 2014 and in 2022, became a broom maker after attending classes at Olive’s Porch and John C. Campbell Folk School. Since retiring  from education, broom making and crafting have now become activities that feed her creativity and provide an opportunity to give back to the community. She enjoys teaching classes at Oasis and Treasured Creations in Blairsville, GA and demonstrating broom making at the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawassee, GA.