Level up your broom making skills at Shaker Village and learn about more advanced styles of whisk brooms: the Hawktail and the Double Turkey Wing. Both styles will be demonstrated, and students will have the opportunity to choose which one to make. Quick workers may be able to attempt both styles. Hawktails are the workhorses of the whisk broom family; they are robust sweepers whether small or large, and their symmetrical shape allows for beautiful striping when using dyed broomcorn. Double turkey wings have a striking fan shape, and the closed tying style emphasizes the stair-step pattern of the tying cord.

Tying a broom is a stress-reducing, full-body practice — and a great workout. You’ll use both feet to hold tension and both hands to manipulate the cord and wrap the broom tightly.

Level – Intermediate: Students should have made a turkey wing whisk before taking this class. Skills will be re-introduced as needed.

Your instructor is Robert Sheckler of Redmond Philbert Handwork, an enthusiastic learner, teacher, and crafter living and working in the Portland area. Beyond the visceral joy of broom-making, Robert is interested in elevating natural materials over synthetic alternatives and loves to incorporate color into his work, making an everyday object and an everyday activity feel special, vibrant, and even fun.