Swept Away: The Vanishing Art of Broom Making

Since Ben Franklin brought broomcorn to America from Egypt in 1790, the humble kitchen broom has been an integral part of our daily lives. Discover the rich and colorful history of the American broomcorn industry, learn how broomcorn is grown, harvested, and dyed, and, following easy step-by-step instructions with photographs and illustrations, make your own broom using one of the seven different broom patterns provided, including Kitchen, Hearth, Cobweb, Turkey Wing Whisk, and Angel Whisk brooms. More than 150 masterpieces by America's most talented artistic broom makers appear in the gallery section and feature a surprisingly diverse and colorful array of handles and stalks. Entertain yourself with broom lore and superstitions, discover proper care methods to get the most out of your broom, quickly learn all the broom terms you need in the glossary, and also find a recipe for Broomstick Cake! AUTHOR: Karen Hobbs teaches broom making, gourding, and basketry at conventions and retreats around the US. SELLING POINT: History of broomcorn cultivation, gallery of broom art, and-step by step-how to create brooms 329 colour and b/w images

Karen Hobbs teaches broom making, gourding, and basketry at conventions and retreats around the US. She lives in Austin, Texas.