How to Make a Corn Husk Wreath

If you love the look of rustic holiday decorations, you will love this corn husk wreath. Pioneer women in the Midwest corn-growing states made them when they had few other materials to decorate with for Christmas. It takes a little time, but the results are lovely.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dried tan corn husks
• Dishwashing liquid
• Pan of warm water
• A straw wreath for the base
• Craft picks with fine wire attached to the non-pointed end of the pick, found in craft shops
• Bow, dried flowers and greenery to decorate the completed wreath

1. Using large shears, cut off the bottom of the corn husk that holds the husk leaves together to protect the ear of corn. Separate the husks into individual “leaves.”

2. Squirt a little dishwashing liquid into the pan of warm water. Soak the husks for about 10 minutes until they are not brittle and pliable to handle.

3. Pat out the excess water and drain on thick towels.

4. While still damp, fold each husk leaf over in half. Twist the wire on the craft pick around the raw edges to hold the husk in the folded position.

5. Stick the pick into the straw wreath, positioning each husk leaf carefully, and layering each row on top of the other into a pleasing pattern. Continue to do this until the straw wreath is totally covered on all three sides. Leave the back side empty so it lies flat against the wall or door.

6. Let the husks in the wreath dry completely. Fill in any bare spots created by shrinkage when drying. Decorate the wreath with a bow, dried flowers and greenery.