Corn husk dolls are a traditional craft that can be traced back to Indigenous cultures from North America. These unique and eco-friendly dolls are made entirely from corn husks and embody the beauty of nature and the resourcefulness of their creators. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your very own corn husk doll.

Materials Needed:

– Dried corn husks

– Bowl of warm water

– Scissors

– String or thread

– Decorative elements (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Corn Husks

Begin by carefully removing the outer layers of corn husks from an ear of corn. Make sure they are clean and free of any debris. You will need about 8-12 husks in total. Soak the dried corn husks in a bowl of warm water for at least 20 minutes, until they become soft and pliable.

Step 2: Create the Head and Body

Take two corn husks and lay them flat on top of each other, positioning them opposite directions, so their narrow ends meet. Fold them in half together, with the narrow ends on top. Tie a piece of string around the folded husks, about an inch below the narrow ends, to create a head shape.

Step 3: Form Arms

To create arms for your corn husk doll, take another soaked husk, fold it in half lengthwise, and roll it tightly into a cylindrical shape. Tie both ends with string to secure. Carefully insert this cylinder between the head and body layers of your doll.

Step 4: Shape the Body

Hold the arm piece in place while you pull down the remaining layers of corn husk that make up the body. Once properly positioned, pull down one more layer over the base of where you inserted the arms, as if it were a skirt. Tie a piece of string around the body (below the arms) to secure everything in place.

Step 5: Create Legs (optional)

To create legs for your corn husk doll, take another soaked husk, fold it lengthwise, and roll it tightly. Tie one end with string, leaving the other end open. Shape and trim if necessary to create a leg-like appearance. Create another leg by repeating these steps. Carefully insert each leg into the bottom of the corn husk body and tie them together.

Step 6: Dry Your Doll

Allow your corn husk doll to fully dry by placing it in an upright position or hanging it in a well-ventilated area. Drying time may vary depending on the humidity level in your area, but should take approximately 24 hours.

Step 7: Personalize Your Corn Husk Doll (optional)

Once your doll is fully dried, you can leave it as is or add some personal touches. You may want to use tiny beads/buttons for eyes, yarn/string for hair, or even paint a face with acrylic paint. Additionally, you can use fabric scraps to fashion clothing for your doll or decorate it further with ribbons, beads, or feathers.

Now that you know how to make a corn husk doll, get creative and personalize your creation! These dolls make great gifts or can be used as decorative items during the harvest season. Enjoy embracing this time-honored craft and celebrate the beauty of natural materials.