Reynolds Homestead - 463 Homestead Lane  - Critz, VA 24082 

The Homestead Artisan Series highlights traditional and historic crafts and folk arts. It connects participants to skills and practices from the region's past and offers a creative experience for today. Each class is designed to be beginner-friendly. The first series features four classes, the first taking place in January. Sunday, Apr. 19, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Min. 6, Max. 15. Cost: $60 (all supplies provided). Learn how to make a functional, hand whisk broom with Erin Simons of Laurel Ridge Studios. In this workshop you will learn traditional broom making techniques required to craft one turkey wing whisk broom and one cake tester. Crafted to create a fan shape, Turkey Wing Whisks are great tools for cleaning all types of areas: desks, kitchen tables, workbenches, fireplaces, and more! Cake Testers are made from the cut off, so that no material is wasted. Broomcorn, a variety of sorghum, is the essential natural material for household cleaning because it is delicate enough to catch hair and smaller debris while being strong enough to bend without breaking. We will discuss broom folklore, history, and care for longevity. * Please keep in mind, broom making requires manual dexterity in both hands and feet. Participants should feel comfortable using a blunt knife and lighter. This workshop is considered beginner to medium level friendly and is for participants 13 and older. All materials and tools will be provided. Registration information: bit.ly/homesteadartisan.