"At one time, a farmhouse wasn't complete without a set of brooms and whisks to sweep the dirt out the door, clear the cobwebs out of the corners, whisk away the fireplace ashes, and quickly remove crumbs from the table." Brooms are no longer an important cleaning tool for the farmhouse. . .but they can be an interesting decorating element. . .I find myself buying vintage brooms as often as I see them. . . and have quite a collection. . .It's also a folk art that is no longer practiced in this area of the Delta. . .So, John and I decided to revive it. . .to learn how to make simple round and whisk brooms. . .Where better to learn than at Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill in Kentucky, since the Shakers were the ones who 'invented' the technique of making the flat broom that we all know. . .We headed to Kentucky for a weekend workshop. . .If you'd like to learn more about our experience--read the story of 'sweeping the yard', see more of our broom-making weekend, and find links to tutorials and other broom-making information, I have another post at: The Folk Art of Brooms and Broom-making . . .This post is all about decorating with a very common element. . .the broom. . . Many think using brooms in their décor requires a primitive setting. . .or a Fall vignette. . .Not true. . .Brooms add a touch of plain and simple style anytime of the year. . .I enjoy adding broom accents to our farmhouse because they are a part of our heritage. . .and because I actually use them. . .I'm sure you've noticed them before in my posts. . .Such as this one on REAL SIMPLE STYLE . . . What could be more 'FARMHOUSE' than this? Another reason to use brooms in your décor is that they are relatively cheap. . .Buy them at flea markets and antique malls and you'll get a double perk: Inexpensive and Instant Patina. . .I do prefer the vintage or handmade brooms for my own collection and use. . .but it's not necessary. Yep. . .We made these at the workshop. . .We do need practice. . .(smile). . .Yet, our attempts make a decorating statement when stacked in a wooden bread bowl. . . I've included a few more decorating ideas below. . .some favorites from my PINTEREST BOARDS. . . (SOURCE) WANT MORE INSPIRATION? VISIT THE DUNCAN FARMSTEAD PINTEREST BOARD BROOMS AND BROOM-MAKING  (SOURCE)  (SOURCE) (SOURCE)  (SOURCE)   (SOURCE)   (SOURCE)  (SOURCE)  WANT TO LEARN MORE? VISIT THE FOLK ART OF BROOMS AND BROOM-MAKING (SOURCE) So LOVELY. . .So FARMHOUSE. . .Brings a SMILE. . . Hey. . .I just had a thought. . .Maybe part of that smile is. . . ACTUAL USE OPTIONAL