I’ve always been a sucker for beachcombing, and the clean bleached lines of driftwood are among my favorite seaside treasures. Much to my husband’s chagrin (and to my swordfighting children’s delight) I have been collecting an ever-growing pile of it in the garage. I have used it in the past for mobiles & other textile projects, but broom-making is most definitely my new favorite way to re-purpose driftwood.
I love that these branches have already been sculpted by tide and time. It’s like they were just waiting for their chance at a new life—maybe decorative—maybe functional—hopefully a little of both. They feel smooth and lovely in hand, and if you listen carefully while you’re sweeping you can almost hear the sound of the sea…
This month I focused mainly on the hearth broom form. As our Alaskan summer days grow increasingly long and bright, a little part of me is missing being snuggled up next to a winter fire. Hearth brooms were traditionally a shorter handled broom, designed to sweep in and around the fireplace that was the heart of most early American homes. Their compact size also makes them a perfect broom for camping cabins, boats or tiny homes.
I have also included some wild ornamental brooms, hand-sewn with dried botanicals. They smell ever so lovely, and would make perfect housewarming or wedding gifts. You can find these brooms for sale in my online shop. Since I will be getting ready for a local trade show doing some travel in July, I probably won’t update my online shop again until August. Until then I hope your summer adventures take you to some lovely places, where you can revel in the treasures nature has to offer.
