How To

How to Make a Corn Husk Swag

Contributor
By Amy Madtson
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Farmers markets abound during summer and fall and are great places to find dried ears of corn that can be used to make a multitude of inexpensive Thanksgiving decorations as you prepare for the holidays. Corn husk swags will add a warm, welcoming touch to your house for the holidays.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • 10 to 12 dried corncobs with husks
  • Teakettle
  • 10 to 12 pieces of raffia, 24 inches long
  • Hot glue
  • Scissors

    Preparing the corncob husks

  1. Step 1

    Choose 10 to 12 dried corncobs with husks still attached. Pick out several different colors and sizes.

  2. Step 2

    Bring water to a boil in the teakettle, and turn heat down to simmer.

  3. Step 3

    Hold one corncob husk a few inches above the steam from the teakettle for about 15 seconds.

  4. Step 4

    Gently fold the husk down over the corncob.

  5. Step 5

    Curl every other husk back slightly to expose part of the corncob.

  6. Step 6

    Tie the end of one 24-inch piece of raffia to the husk end of the corncob.

  7. Step 7

    Hot glue the raffia knot to secure the raffia to the corncob.

  8. Step 8

    Repeat steps 3 through 7 with the remaining corncobs.

  9. Making the corncob husk swag

  10. Step 1

    Lay three corncobs on a table with the raffia facing toward you.

  11. Step 2

    Begin braiding together the three strands of raffia. To learn more about how to braid, see Resources below.

  12. Step 3

    Braid about 2 inches of the raffia.

  13. Step 4

    Add another corncob by holding the raffia of the new corncob with one of the original three strands of raffia.

  14. Step 5

    Continue braiding another 2 inches or so.

  15. Step 6

    Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all the corncobs have been added.

  16. Step 7

    Braid to the end of the raffia and tie off.

  17. Step 8

    Make a loop with the braided raffia.

  18. Step 9

    Hot glue the end of the braided raffia to the back of the corncob husk swag.

  19. Step 10

    Hang the swag from a door knocker or hook.

Tips & Warnings
  • Vary the length of the raffia on each corncob so that they hang at different lengths when finished.
  • Add a bow to the swag if desired.
  • Keep hands away from the steam of the teakettle.
  • Be sure children are supervised if assisting.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Get Free Holidays & Celebrations Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

Demand Media
eHow_eHow Holidays and Celebrations