Handcrafted Brooms

		Christopher Robbins Christopher Robbins developed a love of broom making at age 14 when he began working in the broom shop at the BitterSweet Cabins in Renfro Valley, TN . He then had the good fortune of meeting Jim Harmon, a master broom craftsman from Springfield , KY. The Kentucky Crafted Marketing Program juried Chris in June of 2002 as one of the youngest craftsman to be awarded this honor. Chris crafts functional brooms using only cotton string and wire wrap on hardwood handles. His brooms stand on their own (the true test of a well constructed broom).
		Jim McGie Jim McGie is a one-of-a-kind Appalachian Craftsman who creates unique family heirlooms. Jim is one of only a handful of craftsmen who still work using only traditional hand tools. He crafts his brooms, treenware, and unique rockers using found objects and wood. Jim's award-winning rockers are the centerpieces of many collections, including the permanent collection of the Tennessee State Museum. Each piece is signed and dated by the artist. Jim works hard at keeping alive the old ways of the Appalachian craftsman, emphasizing both traditional woodworking techniques and the creative spirit of country living.