Hand Brooms: Whisk & Repeat

Instructor: Bev Larson

Day & Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tuition: $85.00

Ages: 18 and Up

All levels are welcome. No experience required. Hand and foot strength and coordination needed to operate the tying box.  

Try your hand at traditional Appalachian broom making using a tying box (miniature winder). During this workshop we will explore options for whisk brooms – turkey, hawks’ tail, doubles, and plaiting. Students will have a choice of using plaiting and be able to pick from a variety of cord colors. Students will expect to finish up to three brooms.

Location: This workshop takes place on the John C. Campbell Folk School Campus. Please arrive at the Rock Room the day of the workshop to check in. It is number 19 on the  Campus Map

There will be a 1- hour lunch break. Bring a sack lunch or explore local dining options.

Students Please Bring:

• Clothes that can dirty, apron
• Note taking materials.
• (Optional) A snack and/or water bottle.
• Students should note that the annual live auction will be held between 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. with viewing from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. and auction to follow. Your instructor will check in about when your lunch break will occur, the day of the workshop, and you’re welcome to attend the event during that time.

An additional fee for materials provided by your instructor for this workshop is estimated at $65.00. THIS FEE IS PAYABLE TO THE INSTRUCTOR at the time of the workshop. Material fees may change depending on the number of participants and price of materials at the workshop. *Payment by cash or check is required for materials fees. Due to the nature of the materials and shipping costs the materials fee for this workshop is higher, however, students will expect to make three whisks during the workshop.

* We contract with local and regional instructors for short workshops that generally require a minimum of 4 students to run. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to call Olive’s Porch for up-to-date enrollment information. To respect our instructor’s time and preparation for workshops please contact us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend a workshop. Cancellations made more than 14 days prior to a workshop will be issued a full refund. Cancellations made 14 or less days prior to your workshop are not eligible for a refund. If Olive’s Porch needs to cancel a workshop for any reason, we will issue a full refund. See our General Information and Policies page on our website for more information.

About Instructor: Bev Larson was introduced to broom making in 2010 and immediately fell in love. Over time, her styles and creativity have evolved and her passion continues to flourish. Bev feels privileged to share her love of broom making by routinely teaching at basket retreats and fiber shows such as the Michigan Fiber Festival; Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival; in Indiana at The Fiber Event, Greencastle and the Stateline Friends Weaving Retreat; SouthEastern Animal Fiber Fair in North Carolina; and Woven Together in Western Kentucky. Bev has also taught on the Basket Weaving Cruise in the Caribbean. She is honored to be an Indiana Artisan as designated by the State of Indiana.