Oak slats are steam-bent to form the undulating handles of the Bue Brushes, handmade by Norwegian designer Poppy Lawman to encourage a slower, more conscious way of living.
The tabletop crumb brushes, which have been shortlisted for this year's Dezeen Award in the homeware design category, are made entirely from biodegradable materials, with coconut fibre bristles sewn into the handle using linen thread.
This leaves the stitches exposed, drawing attention to the amount of time and work that went into creating the product.
The thread connecting the bristles to the wooden handle is left exposed
"In modern society, we have so many utilitarian objects in our lives that we hide in dark unorganised cupboards and have little connection to," Lawman told Dezeen. "Slow design focuses on creating objects that connect us more deeply to what we are doing and promote living in the moment. The brushes offer a way to elevate the humble act of sweeping, by turning it into an enjoyable experience."
The Bue brushes come in a single and double-bent shape. Image courtesy of Sara Angelica Spilling
To create the handles, which are shaped like either the letters U or S, the wood is treated using the traditional craft technique of steam bending.

First, steam is used to heat it to 212 degrees Celcius, at which point the organic polymer lignin, which normally strengthens the wood's cell walls, becomes pliable.
Once removed from the heat, the designer has around one minute to re-...