While you may know Eva Gaultney as our Scandinavian weaving teacher-in-training, working alongside of and learning from Becky Ashenden, we also know her for her skills in making brooms from broomcorn and stalks. Long before she ever found her way to western Massachusetts, she was trained in this craft, and when we learned this about her, we could not have been more excited. Eva’s broomcorn making workshops are a tremendous opportunity to come together in the fresh air in an intimate setting – classes are small, limited to 6 – maintaining all that is needed for a safe, welcoming, and warm learning environment.
If you’d like to learn more about this craft, feel free to explore the video she shared with us for our Virtual Barnfest in 2020, and be sure to read more about Eva below. She truly is a wonderful teacher and joyful, knowledgeable, and warm-hearted individual.
How did you come to learn the craft of making brooms from broomcorn?
I learned how to make brooms from master broommaker, Chris Robbins while I attended Berea College. It was my labor position only for a year, but I tried to learn all that I could from Chris.
What is it that you appreciate and enjoy about the process and the end product?
I loved working with my hands, and I felt that I was helping to preserve a unique traditional craft. The movement of weaving over and under the broom stalk is almost meditative for me now. I enjoy coming up with new designs and techniques to try, and once you figure out a couple tricks and understand the basics of working with broomcorn and stalks, then most of the time your imagination is the limit.
What do you enjoy about teaching other people to make these brooms?
I enjoy teaching other people how to make brooms because I want them to feel that this is an approachable craft. It is also fun to teach this craft with the material that originated in this area (broomcorn was first grown in Hadley, MA). I hope I can nurture an interest in the hopes that it may grow and help preserve this tradition/craft.
I like teaching how to make the combo broom because you learn the basic technique, and then you get to practice it twice more. The student will find that the first broom is following along with the instruction, the second is more self lead with occasional cues/reminders, and the third is often independent. I find that this is the best way for the student to pick up the techniques, finally feel comfortable with the technique, and hopefully feel they can continue independently. It is quick and you have a cute and functional set of handmade brooms.
Why are excited to be doing this workshop at Fabric of Life?
I am excited to help in Fabric of Life’s mission to help traditional skills flourish in this modern world.
What level of skill is required for this workshop? Is it possible for children (10 and older) to attend with a grown-up to help?
This is a beginner workshop, no previous experience in broommaking is required. Children 10 and older can participate, but being accompanied by an adult for supervision or assistance may be needed since a sharp knife is used in the process.
Check our program calendar for upcoming broom making workshops!
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