Swept Away by Craft: Where Prairie Tradition Meets the Art of Everyday Living
On the wide-open prairies of Manitoba, where golden fields meet endless skies and the rhythm of the seasons shapes everyday life, an old craft is being lovingly brought back to life.
At Prairie Breeze Folk Arts Studio, a simple household tool becomes something much more—a piece of functional art, a connection to tradition, and a reminder that the objects we use every day can be made with beauty, intention, and care.
Founded by artisan broom maker Amina Haswell, Prairie Breeze Folk Arts Studio creates handcrafted brooms and brushes that celebrate the heritage of folk craft while bringing a fresh, contemporary sense of colour and design to an age-old tradition.
These are not ordinary brooms tucked away in a closet. They are carefully designed pieces that are meant to be used, appreciated, and passed along.
The Revival of a Forgotten Craft
Broom making is a traditional craft with deep roots, but in a world of mass-produced household items, the artistry behind handmade brooms has become increasingly rare.
For Amina, discovering broom making was the beginning of a journey into folk art. Drawn to natural fibres, colour, and traditional techniques, she began learning the craft and connecting with broom makers across North America. Over time, she developed her own approach while respecting the methods that have been used for generations.
Known as a “broomsquire”—the traditional term for a broom maker—Amina has dedicated herself to preserving and sharing this unique craft.
Each broom is made by hand using natural materials, simple tools, and careful attention to detail. The result is something rare in today’s world: an object created slowly, intentionally, and with a story woven into every fibre.
From Prairie Fields to Handmade Masterpieces
The story of Prairie Breeze Folk Arts Studio begins with the land itself.
Located near Winnipeg, Manitoba, the studio draws inspiration from the prairie landscape and incorporates locally grown and sourced materials whenever possible. The studio has grown some of its own broom corn—the plant traditionally used for broom making—and also works with other growers and suppliers to source quality fibres.
Broom corn, natural fibres, and carefully selected wooden handles come together through traditional techniques to create durable and beautiful pieces for the home.
Some handles are even harvested from local landscapes, connecting each broom directly to the forests and fields of the region.
The prairie becomes part of the process—not just the backdrop.
Brooms Designed to Be Beautiful
One of the most captivating things about Prairie Breeze Folk Arts Studio is the variety of styles, colours, and designs.
From elegant hearth brooms and practical household sweepers to charming whisk brooms and decorative pieces, each creation has its own personality. The studio’s collection reflects a playful imagination while honouring traditional broom-making forms.
Bright colours, carefully wrapped fibres, and unique shapes transform these everyday tools into pieces that deserve to be displayed.
A handmade broom hanging beside a fireplace or kitchen doorway becomes more than a cleaning tool—it becomes part of the home.
The Beauty of Useful Things
There is something deeply satisfying about objects that combine purpose and beauty.
A handmade broom represents a different way of thinking about the things we surround ourselves with. Instead of disposable items designed to be replaced, these are tools created to last.
Prairie Breeze Folk Arts Studio emphasizes quality craftsmanship and long-lasting construction, with the goal of creating household pieces that can be enjoyed for years.
In a world filled with mass production, a handcrafted broom offers something meaningful: a connection between maker, material, and user.
Sharing the Craft
Beyond creating beautiful brooms, Prairie Breeze Folk Arts Studio helps keep the tradition alive by teaching others the art of broom making.
Through workshops and demonstrations, participants have the opportunity to experience the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands. The craft encourages patience, creativity, and appreciation for traditional skills.
For those who discover broom making, it often becomes more than a hobby—it becomes a way to slow down and reconnect with creativity.
A Prairie Treasure Worth Discovering
In the heart of Manitoba, Prairie Breeze Folk Arts Studio represents the best of artisan craftsmanship: respect for tradition, connection to place, and a belief that everyday objects can carry beauty.
These handmade brooms remind us that even the simplest things in our homes can have meaning. They tell stories of prairie fields, skilled hands, traditional knowledge, and the quiet joy of making something well.
A broom may seem like an ordinary object—but in the hands of a dedicated craftsperson, it becomes a piece of history, a work of art, and a celebration of the prairie spirit.
Sometimes the most beautiful things are the ones we use every day.