COME IN COSTUME (no lame efforts) and get a special GIFT!!!
Let’s make pine needle hand brooms - about 6-8 inches long - that leverage a plentiful local resource while learning the basics of the broom making tradition. Most natural brooms are made from broom corn - a type of sorghum. Our growing season in Western WA is too short for this crop to fully mature so broom corn is imported - commonly from Mexico.
But…how lucky are we to have the long needles of the Pacific Ponderosa pine? Though not native to Western Washington, they are here and their needles are always on my gathering list. Once cleaned and dried, they can be stored for years of future weaving.
The best time to gather freshly fallen pine needles is in the late summer or early fall. Most pine trees have a seasonal shed when they drop more needles. Just ask anyone with a longer needled pine tree…they’ll know! Needles, modified leaves, often persist on the tree for several years before falling off. I do not gather green needles off of trees! They need those needles to live. BUT if the needles have gone brown but cling to the tree, I will collect those. If you find a green needled branch has fallen out of the tree OR a tree is being trimmed or removed, that is when you get your green needles! :)
This deep into winter, the fallen needles might not be in the best shape but you can still gather and play…worst thing that happens is you make pine needle compost. With water/rain and microbial activity pine needles start to decay once they fall to the ground. Some discoloration or darker spots on your needles is okay - this is different from mold. If you don’t sufficiently dry your needles before storage, THEN you will see mold…from experience, I know!
But I digress - we’ll talk lots more about the harvest, storage and uses of needles while we learn the basics of broom making.
In class…
We will start by making a standard round “whisk” broom and then advance to a “turkey wing” style. We will use all natural fibers for tying and lots of colors to choose from!
Each participant will make ONE round whisk broom, ONE turkey wing broom, and ONE OF YOUR CHOICE…including a cute witchy broom!!!!
ALL HALLOWS EVE & WITCHY PROTECTION
Whether you are sweeping away negative or stagnant energy or setting your brooms as guards at doors or window, they are here to shoo away the unwanted and harmful leaving our homes more loving, peaceful and kind.
A little more broom lore here.
Minimum age: 14 with accompanying paid adult - no experience needed
Class registration is NON-REFUNDABLE. However, if you want to sell or give your spot to a friend, I’m happy to welcome someone else in your place. Due to the nature of the projects and the small class sizes, I’m unable to support refunds or credits.
Price: $60
