A tightly wrapped raffia or cord collar secures the broom to the upper handle and gives the project its rustic witchy appearance. Make one large serving spoon for a Halloween buffet or create smaller versions using teaspoons for individual place settings.
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What you need
1 stainless-steel serving spoon
1 small straw hand brush
Alternatively, natural raffia or broom straw
Thin twigs, optional
Natural raffia cord, jute or strong cotton cord
Strong craft adhesive suitable for metal
Scissors
Rubber bands, optional
Wax paper or a protected work surface
Black or orange ribbon, optional
Instructions
Choosing the Spoon
Select a serving spoon with a long, plain metal handle. A straight handle will slide into the broom bundle more easily than a thick decorative handle.
Avoid wooden, plastic or painted spoons because the adhesive may damage the surface. Stainless steel is easier to wipe clean and provides a strong base.
The spoon bowl and several inches of the lower handle must remain completely uncovered.
Choosing the Broom Material
A small straw hand brush from a discount or hardware store provides the quickest option. Remove or trim its original handle if necessary, leaving the straw bundle and bound collar intact.
You can also make the broom from natural raffia, dried broom straw or thin flexible twigs. Use clean, dry materials that do not shed excessively.
Do not use treated, dyed or chemically preserved plant material near food.
Before You Begin
Wash the spoon thoroughly and dry it completely.
Test the broom bundle against the handle before applying adhesive. The spoon handle should slide approximately 1–2 inches into the centre of the bundle.
Position the broom only on the upper end of the handle. Leave enough exposed metal between the binding and spoon bowl to hold and use the utensil comfortably.
Craft glue, raffia and straw may not be food-safe. Keep every decorative material and all adhesive away from the bowl and any area that may contact food.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the straw brush
If you are using a store-bought straw hand brush, examine the lower bound section.
Remove any bulky plastic handle or hanging loop that prevents the spoon handle from sliding into the straw bundle. Do not cut through the main binding holding the bristles together.
Trim away loose or damaged pieces.
Step 2: Make a raffia bundle
Skip this step if you are using a prepared straw brush.
Cut a generous bundle of raffia or broom straw into pieces approximately 8–10 inches long.
Align the lower ends while allowing the upper bristle ends to remain slightly uneven. This creates a more natural handmade broom shape.
Secure the bundle temporarily with a rubber band approximately 2 inches from one end.
Step 3: Form the opening
Gently separate the centre of the bound end to create a narrow opening.
The opening only needs to be wide enough to accept the upper end of the spoon handle. Do not pull the bundle apart completely.
Test the handle inside the opening and adjust the straw as needed.
Step 4: Test the placement
Slide the upper end of the spoon handle approximately 1–2 inches into the centre of the broom bundle.
Make sure the spoon bowl points directly away from the bristles.
Check that several inches of clean metal handle remain exposed between the broom collar and the spoon bowl.
Step 5: Apply the adhesive
Remove the spoon from the bundle.
Apply a small amount of strong craft adhesive to the upper end of the metal handle. Keep the glue confined to the section that will be completely hidden inside the broom.
Do not allow adhesive to run down the exposed handle.
Step 6: Insert the spoon
Push the glued end of the handle back into the prepared opening.
Hold the handle centrally so the broom sits straight above the spoon. Wipe away any visible adhesive immediately.
Rest the project on wax paper while the glue begins to set.
Step 7: Bind the broom collar
Wrap raffia cord, jute or strong cotton cord firmly around the lower end of the broom bundle.
Begin above the exposed metal handle and work upward, overlapping each wrap. Cover the original rubber band or existing brush binding if desired.
Continue wrapping until the collar feels secure.
Step 8: Tie the binding
Knot the cord firmly at the back of the broom.
Add a small dot of adhesive beneath the final knot if necessary, ensuring it remains inside the decorative section.
Trim the cord ends or leave them slightly uneven for a rustic finish.
Step 9: Shape the bristles
Fan the upper bristles outward to form the traditional witch’s broom shape.
Trim only the longest pieces. A slightly irregular edge will look more natural than a perfectly straight one.
Remove any loose straw that could fall onto the serving surface.
Step 10: Add an optional ribbon
Tie a narrow black, orange or purple ribbon around the broom collar.
Use only a small bow so it does not interfere with holding the spoon. Secure it with a knot rather than gluing it near the exposed handle.
Step 11: Allow the glue to cure
Place the spoon flat on a protected surface.
Allow the adhesive to dry and cure completely according to its directions. Do not lift the spoon by the bristles while the glue is setting.
Once dry, gently test the broom attachment. It should not twist or slide along the handle.
Smaller Place-Setting Spoons
Use teaspoons or dessert spoons to create smaller witch’s brooms for individual place settings.
Make narrower raffia bundles and shorten the bristles so the decoration remains in proportion to each spoon.
Place the finished spoon beside a folded napkin or add a small guest-name tag to the broom collar.
If the spoons are purely decorative, remove them before serving food.
Display Ideas
Place the broom spoon beside a black cauldron-shaped serving bowl.
Use it with a bowl of wrapped sweets at a Halloween party.
Arrange several smaller spoons across a witch-themed table setting.
Tie a small label reading “Stir the Potion” around the broom collar.
Display it with other decorated Halloween utensils in a ceramic crock.
Use it as a prop beside a punch bowl without allowing the straw section to touch the drink.
Care and Safety Information
Treat the finished spoon as a decorative or limited-use party utensil unless every adhesive and decorative material is specifically labelled food-safe.
Keep all straw, raffia, cord and glue well away from the spoon bowl and food-contact area.
Use it only for dry or individually wrapped foods if there is any uncertainty about the materials.
Do not place the decorated spoon in a dishwasher or submerge it in water.
Wipe the metal bowl with a slightly damp cloth, taking care to keep the broom section dry. For thorough cleaning, use the spoon only as a decorative prop and provide a separate washable serving utensil.
Inspect the broom before every use. Discard or repair it if the bristles shed, the binding loosens or the decoration slides along the handle.
Keep raffia and straw away from candles, stovetops and open flames because they are highly flammable.
An adult should handle the scissors and adhesive and supervise children during assembly.
If you are using raffia follow the instructions found on the witches broomstick pen project.
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