brooms: spring workshop with cynthia main

We all became a little addicted to making brooms - to the particular joy of learning and interpreting an old craft. That was the feeling that settled over us by the end of five days with Cynthia Main - founder of Sunhouse Craft, author, farmer, carpenter, and one of the most gifted makers we know. She came all the way from her Kentucky studio to our island, and she brought with her the knowledge of someone who has spent a long time paying close attention to materials, to process, to the pleasure of craft done well.

We foraged for natural materials and gathered what the land offered up. We learned several methods- from the simplest tied bundle to more complex plaited forms - each one a small revelation about structure, tension, and plant fiber. Cynthia moved through it all with patience and humor, meeting every level of skill and confidence in the room.

We ate well. We breathed cold sea air and watched the first greens come up around us. There were moments of quiet focus and moments of shared laughter, many stories, a few failed brooms.

We all left with enough skill and enough confidence -to think seriously about their own practice. Cynthia's book, Handmade Brooms, is a beautiful companion to everything we explored together, and a way to keep the learning close. If you weren't able to join us this time, we hope you'll find your way into her work. I hope we get to do it again!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this extraordinary few days!!!