Broom And Basket Shop

The Broom and Basket Shop in West Amanna makes its business selling handmade goods, but visitors say the shop's true commodity is the heritage it preserves. We're not only just demonstrating and recreating the baskets and brooms that were made, we're also giving history lessons as we talk to our people. The shop was opened by Norman and Joanna Schantz in the 1970s as a way of reviving early 20th century basket and broom making techniques. A lot of the tourists want to see the old things being recreated and done. Amanna is kind of a destination for histories and things that go on. Basket Weaver Judy Urke said she was interested in learning the craft after seeing the shop's merchandise. I couldn't afford it. One of the girls left, one of the clerks left with all her baskets and I thought this is an opportunity. So I asked Joanna, the boss, why isn't she here going for it? She gave me a couple books and supplies so it's been self-taught. And if it wasn't for her, The shop sells willow and reed baskets of all sizes and functions, as well as 26 different styles of brooms, most crafted using traditional German techniques. Tourists can also check out Iowa's largest walnut rocking chair or take a class on basket making. After 35 years as an artisan, Schantz said she can't imagine spending her life any other way. We all have a passion for the work we're doing and it'something that we have to do. It just fulfills us. It makes us happier people because working with your hands, I think anybody who works with their hands is probably a very happy person because they're just creating.