Every summer we throw away or compost an amazing amount of corn husks when we could be using them for crafts and for making corn husk dolls. Several years ago I made a few corn husk dolls and gave them out as gifts for Thanksgiving. amazingly, these little dolls are still in existence because they were set on display and kept out of reach of the family kids.
If you have never worked with corn husk before, believe me that it is easy and even fun to do.
1. Corn Husk Doll
I have made these in the past and you can be as simple or as elaborate as you want with them. To prepare the corn husks, I spread them out in the sun to dry completely. When finished drying, I would soak the leaves for a minute or two to soften them up and then begin forming my dollies with corn husk and string. It is very similar to making yarn dollies.
2. Table Mats
The table mats shown here are made from sewing braided corn husks into round or oval shapes.
3. Baskets
These baskets are braided corn husks sewn together.
4. Bonnet
Hilda Eccliston is shown here braiding corn husks and wearing a corn husk bonnet.
5. Cornucopia
Braided cornucopia that would look rather awesome in a country rustic kitchen.
6. Another Basket
Instructions for making a corn husk basket from 1898.
7. Costumes
Not only do these corn husk costumes from 1897 look uncomfortable, but they also look a tad bit creepy. And yet, I have no doubt that these people had a great time at their corn harvest festival.
8. Basic Corn Husk Dolls
These instructions for making a corn husk doll were published in 1898.
