As the air turns crisp and the seasonal foliage begins to change, autumn invites us to slow down, reflect, and prepare ourselves for the quieter months ahead. Kristin Brigita of Thistle & Muse, a featured True Lavender Collective artist and team member, recently honored this seasonal shift by crafting a besom, the traditional broom made from natural materials. Below we feature images and content from her Substack, How to Make a Driftwood Besom with Autumn Botanicals.
What is a besom?
A besom is more than just a broom, it’s a symbol of cleansing, protection, and renewal. It represents transition, sweeping away the old harvest energy and making space for rest, creativity, and reflection. This time of year offers beautiful natural materials like fallen branches, broomcorn, birch, willow, driftwood, and of course, dried lavender. Incorporating lavender adds a touch of calm and purification to the traditional autumnal energy.
So gather your twigs, your lavender, and your intentions, and craft a little seasonal magic this autumn!
Materials
You don’t need anything fancy to make a beautiful besom. Gather what feels right to you or what grows nearby.
• Driftwood or a sturdy branch or handle (willow, oak, or any fallen branch that feels right)
• Dried botanicals (lavender, strawflower, statice, amaranth, eucalyptus, wheat, bunny tails, seed heads)
• Twine
• Copper wire — 16 g for wrapping the crystal; 24 g for the secure hanging loop
• Fabric strip (burlap or muslin suggested)
• Adornments (crystals, stones, bells, charms, or pendants)
• Scissors
Quick Step-by-Step
A brief checklist to get you started; more detailed steps follow below.
- Find a driftwood piece or fallen stick to use as your handle.
- Gather longer stems (eucalyptus, wheat, amaranth) and arrange them as the base bundle.
- Tie the base bundle to the handle with twine.
- Create a smaller display bundle (lavender, strawflower, statice) and attach it over the base.
- Wrap a fabric strip around the binding for a finished look.
- Secure a rose quartz or chosen stone with 16-gauge copper wire (optional).
- Make a hanging loop with 24-gauge copper wire and secure it at the top of the handle.
- Adjust, trim, and display.
Estimated time: about 45 minutes–1 hour (depending on how detailed you get with wrapping and arranging).
Step One: Create the Base Bundle
Find a piece of driftwood or a fallen stick that feels balanced in your hands. Gather longer stems such as eucalyptus, wheat, and amaranth to create the base of your broom. Stagger them to form a natural taper, lay them against the handle, and secure them tightly with twine.
Step Two: Add the Featured Botanicals
Make a smaller bundle of your display florals—lavender, strawflowers, or statice. Tie this mini bundle separately, then attach it to the base with twine to add color and dimension.
Step Three: Wrap and Finish the Handle
Cut a strip of burlap or muslin and wrap it around the binding point to cover the twine. This gives the besom a polished look and a chance to personalize it with texture or color.
Step Four: Add Adornments (Optional)
Rose quartz is a beautiful choice as it carries energy of compassion, love, and balance—perfect for an autumn piece. Wrap the stone securely with 16-gauge copper wire and twist it at the back to hold it in place. Bells, small charms, or additional crystals can be added where they feel right.
Step Five: Make a Hanging Loop
Use 24-gauge copper wire to form a small loop at the top of your driftwood handle and twist it securely so the besom can hang safely.
Final Touches
Adjust your stems, fluff your florals, and trim if needed. Your besom is ready to hang, display, or gift. Each one will look a little different, which is part of its charm and magic.
Styling and Display
Once your besom is finished, think about where you’d like to display it. Hanging one on a gate or garden entrance creates a welcoming charm and sense of protection. The front door is another favorite place—pair it with pumpkins, gourds, or autumn décor to celebrate the season and greet guests with intention. Indoors, a besom can hang above a hearth, near an altar, or in an entryway to invite cleansing energy and seasonal beauty into your home.
If you enjoyed this tutorial, visit or subscribe to the Thistle & Muse Substack community for more seasonal crafts and botanical inspiration.
