How to Craft Cornhusk Dolls
Many of us love popcorn and corn on the cob. We also love dolls and craft projects. Combine all these loves into one simple project and you can create cornhusk dolls. Native American children loved to make and play with these simple dolls; now you can too.
Instructions
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Make the Head and Body
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1
Soak at least 10 cornhusks in a pan of water until they become pliable. They are ready to use when they are as easy to work with as a piece of cloth.
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2
Select 4 cornhusks, all the same size. Arrange them in a neat pile with the pointy ends together.
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3
Use a 4-inch string to tie the pointed ends together, as close to the top as possible. This will make the doll's body.
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4
Hold the tied cornhusks with the tied end at the bottom. Then take 2 of the husks in each hand and bend them down over the string. The string will end up inside the husks, and the fold will become the top of the doll's head.
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5
Tie another 4-inch string around the husks, about an inch down from the fold. This will create the doll's head.
Make the Arms and Sleeves
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6
Put aside the body you just made. Select 3 long thin pieces of cornhusk. Braid the three together to craft the arms.
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7
Wrap and tie another 4-inch piece of string around each end of the braid to prevent unraveling.
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8
Tuck the braid between the body husks, just below the head. You will end up with 2 arms on each side.
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9
Circle the body husks with another four-inch piece of string, just below the arms. Tie it tightly for the doll's waist.
Assemble the Doll
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10
Craft shoulders by wrapping another cornhusk around the back of the doll's neck and crossing it over her chest. Tie it tightly to hold it in place.
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11
Split the body husks below the waist into 2 parts. Use another 4-inch piece of string to tie each half at the bottom. These are the legs. If you're making a female doll, leave the main husks untied to form a skirt.
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12
Leave the cornhusk doll's face blank for the traditional look, or use markers to draw a smile and eyes.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Any soaked husks that are not used for dolls can be left to air dry and saved for another day.
A minimum of 10 husks are required for each doll.
