Plaited Turkey Wing Whisk Broom
This workshop will explore the creation of decorative handles on the traditional turkey wing style of whisk broom. We’ll learn the basic construction techniques for a variety of whisk broom styles.
Not scheduled right now. Last taught 2026.
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The workshop
This workshop will explore the creation of decorative handles on the traditional turkey wing style of whisk broom. We’ll learn the basic construction techniques for a variety of whisk broom styles. Then we’ll use split broomcorn stalk as well as dyed basket reed to build a decorative handle. We’ll use conventional straight plaiting as well as twilling. Twilling will allow us to create more decorative handles, using a variety of weaving sequences for different patterns.
Students will leave with the skills and confidence needed to repeat any of the class designs and to tackle new projects as well.
This class is suitable for total beginners. More advanced students (in broommaking, basketmaking, or crafting in general) will likely leave with more completed projects. The class layout supports this. Note that moderate hand and forearm strength – along with some hand-eye-foot coordination – will make this a more enjoyable workshop.
Skills and techniques
- Working with Twine – knots, whipping
- Measurement techniques – the Story Stick
- Maintaining constant tension – The Tumble Spool
- Organizing the project
- Decorative plaiting
- Mathematics of twilling
- Trimming and Finishing
Before you come
Details for students
Where
One of the farm's studios, confirmed at check-in. See the campus
Staying on the farm
Housing, meals, the daily schedule, and places to stay nearby are on Prepare for your workshop.
Your instructor
Larry Antonuk
Sometime in 2010, Larry Antonuk found himself on a tour of the Enfield Shaker Museum in Enfield, NH. While watching a Broom Making demonstration he became fascinated with the process, and wound up coming back for a tutorial with Master Broom Maker Susan Brown. One thing led to another, and Larry is now a frequent demonstrator at Enfield. He has researched and reproduced a variety of Shaker designs, and now sells his work at Shaker museums in Enfield, Canterbury, Hancock, MA, Watervliet, NY, and SabbathDay Lake, Maine. Larry is a juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen, and can often be seen demonstrating at the Sunapee Fair.
Questions about this workshop, housing, or meals? Email registrar@sanbornmills.org or call (603) 435-7314. Please read the workshop policies before you register.