How to Make Life Size Corn Dollies
Thanksgiving, the midpoint between Halloween and Christmas, gets shorter shrift every year. Retailers make most of their profits in this quarter, so Christmas displays can go up as early as July. But celebrating Thanksgiving is more than turkey dinners and all-day college football games on TV. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Corn shocks Twine Spanish moss Acorn tops Glue gun Clear glue sticks Garden stakes Tub Water
Instructions
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Soak corn shocks overnight in a tub of warm water to which you have added 1/4 cup chlorine bleach. This will make them flexible to work with and reduce any bacteria that would cause them to mold. Drain and rinse, then drain again.
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While still wet, lay stalks out so that they are more or less even at both top and bottom. Do not trim them, but try to center each stalk. Fold your pile of stalks in half and wrap twine around the bundle, about eight inches below the fold. Use a hangman's knot to ensure that the bundle will stay tied after drying. See resources for how to tie a hangman's knot. Tie one or more half hitch knots to eliminate any excess twine after cutting the wrap thread, then pull on the noose end slightly to pull the knotted end into and under the wrap knot.
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Make a second bundle of corn shocks. Trim ends this time so that everything is neat and even. Tie knots about five inches from each end to form hands, and a second pair of knots five inches further toward the center line to make wrists.
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Lay the "body" bundle across the "arm" bundle. Wrap arms over so that they cross the body, and tie into place. Tie a knot around the "waist" of your corn dolly, about 18 inches from the "neck." For female dollies simply glue on Spanish moss hair and dress in natural fiber clothes made from burlap or felt. For male dollies make an additional knot for hips, about 6 inches below the waist knot. Split corn shocks below the waist into two and make knots for the ankles.
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Personalize your corn dollies by gluing on acorn caps for eyes, maple seed mustaches, sycamore ball earrings and necklaces, or any other interesting natural objects. Tie corn dollies to garden stakes and make a display in your front yard or next to your door. Dispose of your corn dollies on Christmas Eve by holding a bonfire. Sing carols, eat gingerbread and make wassail punch. If you have a fireplace, use an ember from your corn dolly bonfire to light your Yule log.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use corn shocks that are already moldy.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.drummindragon.com/whispers/Archive/V2Issue8Aug07.htm
