At the age of 14, Chris Robbins began working in the Broom Shop at the Bittersweet Cabins in Renfro Valley, Kentucky, where he developed a love of broom making. Chris then had the good fortune of meeting master broom maker Jim Harmon, of Springfield, Kentucky. Mr. Harmon has been instrumental in teaching Chris the basics of broom making and has helped Chris refine his skills and acquire the equipment needed to produce brooms.

Chris makes all of his brooms either totally by hand or with the assistance of 100 + year old broom making equipment. Chris uses a 100-year-old winder that was constructed with wooden pegs to attach the broomcorn to the broom handle. His vice, which is used to tie the brooms, is dated September 10, 1878. Chris’s Shaker-style brooms are not only works of art but are extremely durable and useful.

Chris has continued working at his craft in a workshop at his home. He recently was given an 1860’s log cabin that once belonged to his ancestors and he is restoring the cabin to one day house his broomshop and craft store. In 2002, Chris was juried into the Kentucky Crafted Marketing Program – one of the youngest craftsmen ever to be awarded this honor. He is also a juried member of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen and the Sheltowee Artisans.

Chris Robbins
Brooms by Chris
(800) 991-7035