How to Make a Corn Husk Doll

Books like the "Little House on the Prairie" series are a reminder of old time pleasures. Images like bonnets, carriages, lunch pails and corn husk dolls still bring to mind a simpler time in history. Other countries have made corn husk dolls as well, and still make them as part of their nation's folk art tradition.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pan of water
• Corn husks
• Twine
• Scissors

1. Purchase a package of corn husks. These are found in the produce or ethnic food section of your grocery store. You will need at least six husks to make one doll. Place the corn husks in a pan of water and soak them until they bend easily.

2. Lay four corn husks on top of each other. They should be the same size. Tie one end with a piece of twine. Hold the tied end in one hand and pull each of the husks down, like you were peeling a banana, until the twine is on the inside.

3. Take another piece of twine and tie the four husks together, one inch beneath the tied section. This section will be the head.

4. Roll an additional husk tightly, or cut it into three long strips and braid them together. Use twine to tie each end together, and insert the husk between the four husks that make the body. These are the arms.

5. Use another piece of twine and tie the four husks underneath the arms and make the waist.

6. Remove a husk from the water. Put it around the back of the neck and bring it around to the front. Cross the husk in the front, and wrap it around the waist until it meets in the back. Secure with a piece of twine.

7. Make a boy doll by taking two of the husks and tying them together at the bottom to make a leg. Repeat to form the other leg. Make a girl by leaving the husks as a skirt. You can add additional husks and tie them at the waist if desired.