October Giveaway

Kevin’s passion for history, folklore, and respect for the unseen world shines through in every story he tells—and every broom he weaves. Read on to discover the folklore behind broomsticks, the chilling story of a real-life serial killer, and why Kevin believes these age-old traditions still sweep magic into our modern world.

Your handcrafted mini broomsticks are steeped in pagan symbolism. What inspired you to start making them, and what do they represent to you personally?

I took a class last January on how to make brooms from broom corn and was very intrigued by the process. While the teacher did not talk about the history or symbolism, from my own research I discovered that brooms have a deep history and folklore.  It’s not just a broom. And that touches me down inside.

Many people know broomsticks as a Halloween symbol, but few know their true origins. Can you share a bit about the pagan or folk traditions behind them?

Sure, here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to brooms.

1. 1. Never sweep at night otherwise you might disturb the spirits.
   2. Jumping over your broom 9 times will ensure you are married within a year.
   3. Stand your broom with the bristles up by the front door to ward off evil and bring good luck.
   4. Shake a wet broom over your head to raise a storm.
   5. Hide your broom on the night of April 30th, Walpurgis Night, to prevent it from being stolen by another witch.
   6. Never take an old broom to a new home.

I’m going to have to incorporate that in my next book… You’re also a ghost story tour guide—what’s one of your favorite local legends to tell, and what makes it so unforgettable?

Downtown Kerrville, TX is wrought with anguished spirits, some active, some not. My favorite is the story of the true life serial killer, Genene Jones, who is supposed to have been part of the inspiration for the Kathy Bates character in Stephen King’s novel Misery. 

Do your experiences leading ghost tours influence your art? (For example, have any spirits or legends inspired particular pieces you’ve made?)

While not directly influencing my basket weaving or broom making, I am mindful of being respectful of the earth and nature and appreciate the traditions I am trying to keep alive.

When you’re crafting a broom, do you follow traditional materials and rituals, or do you like to add your own modern twist?

I use nylon cord in crafting most of my larger brooms, while not a traditional material like the broom corn, it sure is strong and available and the colors make for interesting patterns and designs.

What’s the most surprising reaction you’ve had from someone learning about the deeper meaning behind your mini broomsticks?

Most people haven’t heard of broom folklore, so nearly everyone is intrigued by the tidbits of history I share.

As a storyteller yourself, what do you think ghost stories and folklore teach us about the past—and about human nature?

We are all looking for something to make sense of this world and believing that this life is not the end is comforting to many. Connections of the past, present, and future help us feel that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

You work at the crossroads of history, craft, and the supernatural. What do you find most rewarding about sharing that world with others?

I love history and I love crafting my baskets and brooms. Sharing these with others is rewarding and makes me light up.  As for the supernatural, I respect the spirits – real and imagined and just because I have not had a ghostly encounter yet, I am open for someone from the other side to reach out.

If you could take anyone—living or dead—on one of your ghost tours, who would it be, and why?

Captain Charles Schreiner, he led an adventurous life on the frontier and I would love to hear his take on what we tell about him today.

For readers who’d love to experience your craft or your tours, where can they find you next (upcoming events, shops, or online links)?

These are organizations that I belong to and teach lessons in basket weaving at:
Kerr Arts and Cultural Center Ghost Tours in Downtown Kerrville, TX – KACC Ghost Tours
Texas Basket Weavers Association – TBWA – Texas Basket Weavers Association
Central Texas Basket Guild – CTBG – Facebook
The Sheepwalk Ranch – Bandera, TX The Sheepwalk Ranch
Of course you can contact me directly for more information and resources in your area:  kfclark1962@gmail.com

Many thanks to Kevin for sharing his stories and keeping these beautiful traditions alive! His reverence for craft and connection to history remind us that even ordinary objects—like a broom—can hold extraordinary meaning.

October Giveaway