Appalachian Hand-Tied Broom Making with Brenda
Explore centuries-old traditions of Appalachian broom-making with renowned artisan Brenda in the mountains of Pocahontas County. Forage for unique hardwood handles, plait broom corn stems, and use decorative stitching to affix broom whisks while exploring this pre-industrial tradition. Beyond the studio, hike endless trails or unwind amid the misty mountain landscapes of one of America’s biodiversity hotspots.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea, Lunch
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1300
- Additional guest(s) (max 3)
- USD $720
Meet the Artist
Brenda is an Appalachian artisan renowned for her handcrafted, traditional-style brooms, carrying forward a craft deeply rooted in Southern mountain culture. Combining practicality with a touch of whimsy, each of her creations is a unique work of art, reflecting her dedication to both form and function. She began making brooms in 1993, using hybrid-colored broomcorn from her garden, and honed her skills at the John C. Campbell Folk School under master instructors.
Brenda specializes in Appalachian-style brooms, from small mushroom brushes to large porch brooms sturdy enough to shoo away a bear. Using natural materials like locally sourced hardwood and raw broomcorn, she carefully ties and weaves each piece with intricate plaiting patterns that blend durability, functionality, and artistry. Broom-making is physical work—tension on the twine is key—but for Brenda, it’s also meditative, a balance between control and flow. She sees it as a tactile form of creativity that allows us to lose ourselves while simultaneously finding ourselves, keeping the mind flexible and open to what comes next. More than tools, her brooms bring beauty and grounding to everyday rituals.
Hand-tied broom makers are rare today, but Brenda is determined to keep the craft alive. In the past, Southern mountain communities grew their own broomcorn and made brooms, but industrialization replaced village broom makers with factories. Through her work, she preserves the patience, skill, and perfectionism of those early artisans. By elevating the humble broom into an art form, she hopes to inspire creativity, mindfulness, and a deeper appreciation for handmade objects in daily life.
Brenda specializes in Appalachian-style brooms, from small mushroom brushes to large porch brooms sturdy enough to shoo away a bear. Using natural materials like locally sourced hardwood and raw broomcorn, she carefully ties and weaves each piece with intricate plaiting patterns that blend durability, functionality, and artistry. Broom-making is physical work—tension on the twine is key—but for Brenda, it’s also meditative, a balance between control and flow. She sees it as a tactile form of creativity that allows us to lose ourselves while simultaneously finding ourselves, keeping the mind flexible and open to what comes next. More than tools, her brooms bring beauty and grounding to everyday rituals.
Hand-tied broom makers are rare today, but Brenda is determined to keep the craft alive. In the past, Southern mountain communities grew their own broomcorn and made brooms, but industrialization replaced village broom makers with factories. Through her work, she preserves the patience, skill, and perfectionism of those early artisans. By elevating the humble broom into an art form, she hopes to inspire creativity, mindfulness, and a deeper appreciation for handmade objects in daily life.
VAWAA Includes:
- Learn to craft brooms, brushes, and whisks by sorting and soaking broom corn, splitting stems, and preparing materials.
- Hike in the woods to find unique hardwood handles, then visit local arts and craft galleries for inspiration.
- Use a tension spindle to plait broom corn onto fiber bundles for small brushes and whisks, and harvested raw broom corn onto hardwood handles for large brooms.
- Apply traditional weaving patterns as a beginner or explore varied designs as an advanced participant.
- Hand-sew small and large brooms using cotton threads, waxed linen, or nylon twines, shaping them with a spreader device and experimenting with stitching techniques.
- Clean, trim, and sand brooms, brushes, and whisks for a refined finish.
- Use woodworking tools to shape, sand, and finish broom handles, then drill a hole and attach a leather thong for hanging.
- Relax on deck seating with mountain views.
- Enjoy a hike on the nearby Greenbrier River Trail, suitable for all ages.
Explore Pocahontas County, West Virginia
Brenda’s studio is located in Hillsboro, a peaceful retreat for craft lovers, tucked in the mountains of West Virginia’s Pocahontas County. The area is rich in Appalachian heritage, with artisans keeping alive crafts like broom-making, quilting, woodworking, and pottery. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless hiking and biking trails across five state parks and two state forests, including the scenic Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. Nearby, Monongahela National Forest is home to eight rivers, scenic trains, arts festivals, and the world’s largest steerable telescope at Green Bank Observatory. Whether you come for folk arts, lively local music, or quiet mountain landscapes, Pocahontas County offers the perfect creative escape.
Additional Details
The best time to visit is spring, summer, and fall (April-December), when weather is pleasant and roads are accessible. It’s best to avoid winter (January-March), when weather complicates travel.
This VAWAA can be extended for up to 5 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Adults 18 years and older, mature teenagers accompanied by a guardian, elders, and people with special needs are welcome to participate. Broom-making is a physical craft that requires hand dexterity, strength, coordination, and extended periods of seated work. Guests with plant allergies may react to broom corn, so please bring any necessary medications. Brenda’s studio is only accessible by stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Brenda speaks English.
This VAWAA can be extended for up to 5 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Adults 18 years and older, mature teenagers accompanied by a guardian, elders, and people with special needs are welcome to participate. Broom-making is a physical craft that requires hand dexterity, strength, coordination, and extended periods of seated work. Guests with plant allergies may react to broom corn, so please bring any necessary medications. Brenda’s studio is only accessible by stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Brenda speaks English.