Broom-making: Where the Hands Remember
with Emileigh Zola
April 16-19, 2026
@sarahtewphotography
Where the Hands Remember: A retreat in broommaking, self-inquiry, and connection.
In this increasingly digital driven world; a movement is happening to turn-back the clock. A movement towards analog; towards simplicity, towards shared experiences, towards presence and a relaxed nervous system. The time honored tradition of hand-woven craft is arising to meet this need. Approachable, fun and easeful; guests will leave with a physical piece of art, a remembrance. No experience needed; all are welcome.
This three-day broom-making retreat is an invitation to come into deeper relationship with ourselves, the natural world, and an age-old craft that carries wisdom in its fibers.
Through the practice of broom-making, we will explore how the act of making becomes a mirror—revealing our patterns, our patience, our resistance, and our creative potential. As our hands learn the language of natural materials, we are guided inward, into the quieter places where knowing lives.
Our days together will weave self-inquiry, embodied movement, connection circles, and immersive craft instruction. This retreat is both a return and a becoming: a space to tend what is essential, to be witnessed, and to create something meaningful with our hands that carries the imprint of our journey.
Registration
Workshop price is $795. Limited to ten participants. Supplies are included with a $40 materials fee paid directly to instructor upon arrival.
*All prices include tuition, daily yoga class, meals, shared lodging and full use of facilities. A limited number of private cabins may be available for upgrade; please inquire if interested. All balances are due upon registration. MC/Visa, Venmo, PayPal, Check accepted. Gray Bear Lodge, PO Box 682 Hohenwald, TN 38462. Payment plan option offered if needed; please inquire. A $300 non-refundable deposit may be mailed to secure your space.
After registration, confirmation letter and additional information (including directions to Gray Bear) will be sent.
Who should attend
This weekend is open for all to attend. No prior experience is needed in any way. Individuals, friends or couples: all are welcome. All material will be supplied for making of brooms. Of note: while not excessive; as a physical craft broom-making does involve a certain level of hand strength.
Arrival Departure Schedule
We will begin with guests arriving Thursday between 1:00 to 3:00, first class begins 3:30 to 5:45. Dinner is served at 6 followed by orientation. We finish our retreat on Sunday with checkout at 11:00.
(*) Gray Bear is a two hour drive from the Nashville airport, so please plan arrival time/ departure time with this in mind.
About the Instructor
Emileigh Zola is a broom maker, teaching artist, and facilitator whose work bridges traditional handcraft with earth centered practices.
She is the founder of Rhythm & Ritual, an evolving body of work rooted in natural rhythms, intentional making, and Earth-centered traditions. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes of Southern Appalachia, Emileigh’s broom-making practice is informed by a deep relationship with place, material, and process.
With a non-traditional educational path shaped by years of study with multiple teachers, Emileigh brings a patient, embodied approach to both her craft and her teaching. Over a decade ago, she received a solid broom-making training at the John C Campbell Folk School.
She is currently engaged in a seven-year training at a local Earth-based healing school, which continues to inform her understanding of ritual, symbolism, and the role of functional objects in daily life.
Emileigh specializes in crafting hand-tied brooms that are both practical tools and meaningful objects, designed for everyday use as well as ceremonial spaces. Her teaching emphasizes traditional broom-making techniques, mindful craftsmanship, and an appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of domestic tools.
Known for her grounded presence and inclusive teaching style, Emileigh creates learning environments that foster confidence, curiosity, and connection. Through classes, workshops, and retreats, she is dedicated to preserving handcraft traditions while making them accessible and relevant to contemporary makers.
Emileigh lives in Marshall, North Carolina, where she maintains her broom-making practice alongside teaching, plant tending, and community-based work.
What to Pack
Gray Bear is home to 400 acres of rolling hills, thick forest, natural springs, and even a waterfall. You can experience the wonders of nature while sitting in a hand-built wood fire sauna; hear the silence of nature's symphony lying on a hammock while curled under a blanket; and revel in clear air and water while using shower outdoors.
With all of this nature we have some suggestions to consider when packing:
- Working flashlight ...it gets dark with only the light of the stars to guide you!
- A bathing suit ... good for the hot tub, sauna, and Watsu massage pool
- Water bottle ...Gray Bear does not use disposable cups. Purified water is available in the Main House and the Yoga Room
- A bath robe/sarong
- House slippers or socks to wear indoors ...no shoes inside please
- Comfortable walking shoes/sandals for an inspired nature hike
- Warm clothing ...mornings & evenings can be cool
- Comfortable clothes for exercising/yoga
Please do not bring any drugs, alcohol, or pets. Gray Bear is a non-smoking, pet-free and alcohol-free facility.