Cornhusk Dolls

There’s nothing like the taste of fresh corn, whether it’s in the garden or grocery store. If buying, select them with the husks on and make some adorable playthings, while savoring the delicious taste. You can also let the husks dry to use later.

Making cornhusk dolls has always been a popular craft in America. Early settlers admired the dolls made by Native American children. Today, children everywhere enjoy them because of their beauty and simplicity.

You can use fresh or dried corn husks to make the dolls. Soak dried husks in warm water until they can be bent, twisted, and braided. Dry the corn silks and use them for hair. Traditionally, they had no faces. Follow these easy instructions and the pictures to create fun cornhusk dolls and add embellishments and trims to dress them. Experiment by braiding or twisting husks to create arms or as embellishments.

• Bundle several husks together and fold in half.
• Use a small husk to tie them a few inches from the top, to form a head.
• Fold a few more husks and slip through the fold for arms.
• Tie at the wrists and cut the fold off, to make the lengths even.
• Tie under the arms to form the waist.
• To make a dress, fold a husk around the shoulders and cross in front, like a scarf. Tie with twine.
• Fluff out the lower pieces of husk to create a skirt.
• Glue corn silks onto head.

Kids and adults enjoy these dolls for play and decoration. Make them in varied sizes and decorate with ribbons, lace and fabric to create unique characters. In the fall, add them to wreaths and garlands to celebrate the harvest.