How to Make a Corn Husk Swag
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
Choose 10 to 12 dried corncobs with husks still attached. Pick out several different colors and sizes.
-
2
Bring water to a boil in the teakettle, and turn heat down to simmer.
-
3
Hold one corncob husk a few inches above the steam from the teakettle for about 15 seconds.
-
4
Gently fold the husk down over the corncob.
-
5
Curl every other husk back slightly to expose part of the corncob.
-
6
Tie the end of one 24-inch piece of raffia to the husk end of the corncob.
-
7
Hot glue the raffia knot to secure the raffia to the corncob.
-
8
Repeat steps 3 through 7 with the remaining corncobs.
Making the corncob husk swag
-
1
Lay three corncobs on a table with the raffia facing toward you.
-
2
Begin braiding together the three strands of raffia. To learn more about how to braid, see Resources below.
-
3
Braid about 2 inches of the raffia.
-
4
Add another corncob by holding the raffia of the new corncob with one of the original three strands of raffia.
-
5
Continue braiding another 2 inches or so.
-
6
Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all the corncobs have been added.
-
7
Braid to the end of the raffia and tie off.
-
8
Make a loop with the braided raffia.
-
9
Hot glue the end of the braided raffia to the back of the corncob husk swag.
-
10
Hang the swag from a door knocker or hook.
-
1
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.
