• Broomstick handles are ideal for many DIY craft projects.Juan Silva/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  A broomstick is for more than just sweeping. With a little imagination, broomsticks can be used in many decorative and functional ways, very often with little or no woodworking experience. Things such as new shovel/spade handles, ladder rungs or closet rods need little work beyond sawing the broomsticks to the desired length, but other small projects, such as carving chessmen or creating fancy turned table legs on a lathe are possible for the more adventurous.
  
  

Topiary Flower Arrangement

• A simple broomstick handle can provide the supporting strength for a tall topiary arrangement in a pot. The pot is filled with concrete in which the broomstick is set. Then using a selection of florist's wire, oasis blocks, green leaves, laurel and fruit (such as clementines), dramatic and elegant outdoor flower arrangements can be built up. Variations can be made according to the season, e.g., adding outdoor lights for Christmas.
  
  

Curtain Rod or Pole

• Narrow windows only need one broomstick to make an attractive solid wood curtain pole. Finials can be purchased separately and glued onto the ends, and support brackets can be either metal or wood. Wider windows may need two broom handles joined end to end. The two can be either fixed together by drilling a hole in each and using wood glue with a dowel in the holes for strength, or if the pole is to hold only light draperies, glue alone may be strong enough. A central support bracket takes most of the weight of the pole and hides the join.
  
  

Walking Sticks and Wooden Buttons

• Broomsticks cut to size and turned on a lathe make fine decorative walking sticks or canes. Plain walking sticks can be made by simply cutting the broomstick to the desired length and staining and varnishing it after gluing on a handle and fitting a rubber cup to the base to prevent slipping. Instead of stain and varnish, brightly colored gloss paints could be used to give the walking stick a jazzy or fashionable look. For decorative buttons, simply saw the broomstick into slim discs, drill a couple of small holes next to each other in the center, then sand off the rough edges. The buttons can be either left in their natural wooden appearance, or they could be decorated with paints or wood stains.