"At one time, a farmhouse wasn't complete without a set of brooms and whisks to sweep the dirt out the door, clear the cobwebs out of the corners, whisk away the fireplace ashes, and quickly remove crumbs from the table."
Brooms are no longer an important cleaning tool for the farmhouse. . .but they can be an interesting decorating element. . .I find myself buying vintage brooms as often as I see them. . . and have quite a collection. . .It's also a folk art that is no longer practiced in this area of the Delta. . .So, John and I decided to revive it. . .to learn how to make simple round and whisk brooms. . .Where better to learn than at Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill in Kentucky, since the Shakers were the ones who 'invented' the technique of making the flat broom that we all know. . .We headed to Kentucky for a weekend workshop. . .If you'd like to learn more about our experience--read the story of 'sweeping the yard', see more of our broom-making weekend, and find links to tutorials and other broom-making information, I have another post at: The Folk Art of Brooms and Broom-making . . .This post is all about decorating with a very common element. . .the broom. . .
Many think using brooms in their décor requires a primitive setting. . .or a Fall vignette. . .Not true. . .Brooms add a touch of plain and simple style anytime of the year. . .I enjoy adding broom accents to our farmhouse because they are a part of our heritage. . .and because I actually use them. . .I'm sure you've noticed them before in my posts. . .Such as this one on REAL SIMPLE STYLE . . .
What could be more 'FARMHOUSE' than this?
Another reason to use brooms in your décor is that they are relatively cheap. . .Buy them at flea markets and antique malls and you'll get a double perk: Inexpensive and Instant Patina. . .I do prefer the vintage or handmade brooms for my own collection and use. . .but it's not necessary.
Yep. . .We made these at the workshop. . .We do need practice. . .(smile). . .Yet, our attempts make a decorating statement when stacked in a wooden bread bowl. . .
I've included a few more decorating ideas below. . .some favorites from my PINTEREST BOARDS. . .
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VISIT THE DUNCAN FARMSTEAD PINTEREST BOARD
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So LOVELY. . .So FARMHOUSE. . .Brings a SMILE. . .
Hey. . .I just had a thought. . .Maybe part of that smile is. . .
ACTUAL USE OPTIONAL
10 comments:
So interesting.
Dru,
These are awesome. I have an old broom like this that is hung on a wreath in my laundry room. Love these wisk brooms. They are so great.
Kris
I have one! I want to fill up a rake head! Thanks for all the ideas!
How fascinating! It sounds like an interesting art.
I love sweeping my hard wood floors! We have an imported Italian broom and it works the best. Even beats out the vacuum!
So fun (at least to look at - not use, lol)! I love the texture and the simplicity of them. I am definitely on the hunt now for one - or two! Jane
Beautiful story Dru. . . I have an old broom on m patio, compliments of Gramma. I love the way it feels in my hands, the looks of it but by far the way it get after the dirt. . . If you're interested, there is someone selling a lot of 5 brooms on our local Craigs list sight. . . I think its 10 bucks. . . and they just may ship. . . Happy Spring. . . ~d
I have a country farmhouse in Boise Idaho area! I have collected brooms for years! Absolutely love them as well as use them! love! love! love! Great post! lOVE your blog! I so look forward to it! Happy decorating,Cindy
What an interesting post and what a charming blog you have. This post brought back a memories. Years ago when I was first married, I knew this lovely lady, that each time she bought a new broom, she would cut a handful of broom bristles from it, about the thickness of a dime or maybe a nickel. She would tie one end tight with sting and use this tidy broom to sweep the corn silks from corn, when she husked it. It works very well :) Wow, I haven't thought of that in 40 years.
I am your newest follower and would love to invite you to visit my blog.
Have a lovely day.
Connie :)
Hey Dru! I still think you should sell the brooms you make. They are an old time craft and add to the farmhouse look. I really like some of these ideas on how to display them.
Farmhouse hugs,
Cindy
I never thought about using them as decorating items, but they look so great I know I'll be on the hunt for them now. My favourite pic is the enamel bucket pic.
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