When it comes to traditional crafts, making a shaker broom is a skill that has been passed down through generations. Shaker brooms are not only beautiful to look at, but they are also functional and durable. With a few simple materials and some patience, you can create your own shaker broom.
Materials:
To make a shaker broom, you will need the following materials:
- Handle: You can choose a wooden or bamboo handle of your preference.
- Broomcorn: This is the traditional material used for making shaker brooms. You will need a bunch of broomcorn stalks.
- Wire or twine: This will be used to secure the broomcorn to the handle.
- Scissors: You will need a pair of sharp scissors to cut the broomcorn.
Instructions:
- Prepare the broomcorn: Start by soaking the broomcorn stalks in warm water for about an hour. This will make them flexible and easier to work with.
- Trim the broomcorn: After soaking, remove the broomcorn stalks from the water and let them dry slightly. Then, trim the ends of the broomcorn to the desired length for your broom.
- Attach the broomcorn to the handle: Take a handful of broomcorn stalks and bundle them together. Place the bundle against the handle, and use the wire or twine to tightly wrap it around the broomcorn and handle. Continue this process, working your way down the handle, until the entire handle is covered with broomcorn.
- Shape the broom: Once the broomcorn is secured to the handle, use your hands to shape the broom into a fan-like shape. Gently adjust the broomcorn to create an even and symmetrical appearance.
- Secure the broomcorn: To ensure that the broomcorn stays in place, you can tie a knot at the end of the wire or twine. You can also use a small amount of glue to secure any loose ends.
- Allow the broom to dry: After completing the previous steps, it’s important to allow the broom to fully dry. This will help the broomcorn to set and retain its shape.
- Trim and finish: Once the broom is dry, you can use the scissors to trim any uneven or excess broomcorn. You can also give the broom a polished look by sanding the handle and applying a coat of varnish or paint.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can create your own shaker broom that is not only functional but also a beautiful piece of craftsmanship.
What is a shaker broom?
A shaker broom, also known as a shaker-style broom or a corn broom, is a traditional type of broom that has been used for centuries. It gets its name from the shaker community, a religious group known for their craftsmanship and simple, functional designs.
A shaker broom is made from natural materials, typically broomcorn, which is a stiff, fibrous plant material. The broomcorn is attached to a handle made from wood or metal, and the bristles are tied together tightly to create a brush-like shape.
Shaker brooms are known for their durability and effectiveness in sweeping. The bristles are designed to capture and hold onto dirt and debris, making them ideal for use on a variety of surfaces, including hardwood floors, tile, and outdoor spaces.
In addition to their practicality, shaker brooms also have a rustic and timeless aesthetic. Many people choose to display their brooms in a decorative way, either hanging them on a hook or placing them in a decorative broom holder.
Overall, shaker brooms are a classic and versatile cleaning tool that can be used in homes, offices, and even outdoor spaces. Whether you’re sweeping up a small mess or tackling a larger cleaning project, a shaker broom is a reliable and effective choice.
Benefits of using a shaker broom
Using a shaker broom has several advantages over traditional brooms. Here are some of the main benefits:
| Efficiency | The unique design of a shaker broom allows for more effective sweeping. The shaking motion helps to loosen and dislodge dirt and debris from the bristles, allowing for a better and more thorough cleaning. |
| Durability | Shaker brooms are typically made from high-quality materials, such as natural bristles and sturdy wood handles. This ensures that the broom is durable and long-lasting, even with regular use. |
| Convenience | The shaking mechanism of a shaker broom makes it easy to clean off the accumulated dirt and debris from the bristles. This means less time spent manually picking out the dirt, making the cleaning process more efficient and convenient. |
| Versatility | Shaker brooms can be used on a variety of surfaces, including hardwood floors, carpets, and outdoor areas. The bristles are gentle enough to not cause any damage but are strong enough to effectively sweep away dirt and dust. |
| Eco-friendly | Some shaker brooms are made from sustainable and biodegradable materials, making them a more environmentally-friendly option compared to brooms made from synthetic materials. Using a shaker broom contributes to reducing plastic waste. |
Overall, the use of a shaker broom offers an efficient, durable, convenient, versatile, and eco-friendly solution to keeping your floors clean and debris-free.
Materials needed
Before you begin making your shaker broom, make sure you have all the necessary materials. Here is a list of items you will need:
Broom handle
A broom handle is the long, cylindrical part of the broom that you use to hold and maneuver it. You can purchase a broom handle at a hardware store or online.
Broom head
The broom head is the part of the broom that collects and sweeps up the debris. You can either buy a ready-made broom head or make your own by tying together a bunch of broomcorn bristles.
Broomcorn bristles
Broomcorn bristles are the long, stiff fibers that make up the broom head. They are commonly made from a type of sorghum called broomcorn. You can buy broomcorn bristles online or at a craft store.
Twine or string
You will need twine or string to tie the broomcorn bristles together and attach them to the broom handle. Make sure to choose a strong and durable twine or string that can withstand the rigors of sweeping.
Scissors
Scissors are necessary for cutting the twine or string to the desired length. Make sure to use sharp scissors to ensure clean and precise cuts.
Once you have gathered all these materials, you are ready to start making your shaker broom!
List of materials
- A sturdy wooden handle (approximately 5 feet long)
- Thick twine or strong rope
- A bundle of long, flexible branches or twigs
- A saw or sturdy pair of garden shears
- A drill with a drill bit
- Sandpaper or a sanding block
- A hammer
- Nails
- A measuring tape
- A pencil
- Protective gloves and goggles
Where to find the materials
When it comes to making a shaker broom, finding the right materials is crucial. Fortunately, there are several places where you can easily find the materials needed for this project.
Local Hardware Stores
A good place to start your search for materials is your local hardware store. These stores usually carry broomcorn, which is the main material used for the broom bristles. You can also find broom handles, wire, and other necessary tools and supplies.
Online Retailers
If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, there are several retailers that offer a wide selection of broom making materials. Websites like Amazon, eBay, and craft supply stores often have broomcorn, handles, wire, and other essentials for sale.
Farm Supply Stores
Another option to consider is visiting a farm supply store. These stores typically carry broomcorn as it is commonly used for livestock bedding. You may also find other agricultural supplies that can be repurposed for broom making.
Before purchasing any materials, it’s a good idea to make a list of everything you need. This way, you can be sure that you have all the necessary supplies for your shaker broom project.
Steps to make a shaker broom
Step 1: Gather your materials. You will need a wooden handle, straw or twigs, twine, a saw, and a drill.
Step 2: Measure and cut your wooden handle to your desired length.
Step 3: Use a drill to create a small hole in one end of the wooden handle.
Step 4: Trim the straw or twigs to a uniform length, ensuring they are all roughly the same size.
Step 5: Insert the trimmed straw or twigs into the drilled hole in the wooden handle, making sure they are tightly packed.
Step 6: Use twine to tightly secure the straw or twigs to the handle, wrapping it around the top several times.
Step 7: Continue wrapping the twine down the handle, creating a secure grip and reinforcing the attachment of the straw or twigs.
Step 8: Tie off the twine at the bottom of the handle and trim any excess.
Step 9: Optionally, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges on the handle and the broom.
Step 10: Your shaker broom is now complete and ready to be used!
Step 1: Gather the materials
Before you can start making your shaker broom, make sure you have all the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Broomcorn
The main material you’ll need for your shaker broom is broomcorn. Broomcorn is a type of sorghum plant that has long, slender stalks. You can find broomcorn online or at a local craft store.
2. Twine or wire
You’ll also need twine or wire to bind the broomcorn together and secure it to the broom handle. Twine is usually the preferred choice for a more traditional look, but wire can also be used for added strength and durability.
3. Broom handle
For the handle of your shaker broom, you can use a wooden dowel or a sturdy stick. Make sure it is long enough to provide a comfortable grip and reach the desired height for your broom.
4. Tools
To assemble your shaker broom, you’ll need some basic tools, including scissors or a knife to trim the broomcorn, a drill or hammer and nails to secure the broomcorn to the handle, and a ruler or measuring tape to ensure proper placement and alignment.
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you’re ready to move on to the next step of making your shaker broom.
Step 2: Prepare the broom handle
To create a shaker broom, you will need a sturdy broom handle as the foundation. Choose a handle that is made of solid wood and is long enough for you to comfortably hold when sweeping.
Start by sanding the broom handle with a medium-grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges or splinters. This will ensure that the handle is smooth and comfortable to grip.
Next, consider adding a protective coating to the broom handle to prevent it from getting damaged or worn out over time. You can use either a clear varnish or a wood sealant to provide a durable finish.
If you prefer a natural look, simply oil the broom handle with a few coats of linseed oil. This will not only protect the wood but also enhance its natural beauty.
Once the protective coating has dried, you can attach the broom head to the handle. Make sure it is tightly secured using screws or nails to ensure that it does not come loose while in use.
Tip: If your broom does not come with holes for attaching a handle, you can create them by drilling a small pilot hole first, followed by a larger hole that matches the diameter of your broom handle.
Remember to test the stability of your broom handle before using it to ensure that it is securely attached and will not break during use.
