Broom Making
with Barb Little
AX Workshop Room | 12 Maple Ave.
Saturday, November 29 | 10am-4pm
$125 per person | Ages 16+
Join traditional broom maker Barb Little for a full-day, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the age-old craft of broom-making using authentic broomcorn and time-honoured techniques. Perfect for anyone interested in heritage crafts or functional folk art, this workshop will guide you through creating two beautiful, handmade brooms to take home: a classic hearth-style besom and a charming turkey wing whisk broom—ideal for small spaces, countertops, or as a decorative piece.
The morning session focuses on crafting your besom, followed by a lunch break (please bring your own lunch). In the afternoon, Barb will lead you in creating a funky whisk broom to round out your broom-making skills. Come experience the art and rhythm of traditional broomcraft and leave with two handmade pieces that are both functional and beautiful!
All materials are included, and no previous experience is required—though participants should be prepared for some physical activity, as broom-making involves upper body strength and using your feet to create tension on the spindle. *Please wear closed-toe shoes!*
Please refrain from using any scented products, some of our participants are highly allergic. Thanks for your understanding!
About the Instructor
Barb Little is a broom maker whose work combines tradition, craftsmanship, and creativity. A former hairdresser, she has always expressed herself through working with her hands and an eye for detail—skills that now carry into her broom making. A fifth-generation resident of her ancestral property in Harvey, York County, Barb returned home after 40 years away to reconnect with her roots and embrace this nearly lost craft.
Her interest in broom making began while working in a historical village, where she discovered the enduring appeal of artisan brooms. Inspired by their history, Barb now creates each piece by hand using traditional, non-mechanized methods, with all dyeing done on site.
Crafted from Broomcorn and paired with handles made from driftwood, foraged sticks, hardwoods, or locally forged iron, her brooms are both functional and decorative. Finishes range from natural tung oil to painted accents, with some handles featuring dramatic Lichtenberg, or fractal, burning patterns.
Along with showcasing her work at summer markets and Christmas shows, Barb enjoys leading workshops that invite others to explore the beauty and heritage of broom making.