How to Make a Cornhusk Doll

Making a cornhusk doll.

Take a step back in time by making cornhusk dolls for your family and friends. Cornhusk dolls have been made since the beginning of corn agriculture, and the tradition of making cornhusk dolls continues today through living museums and as part of classroom history lessons. Often created without faces, cornhusk dolls have become a part of mainstream decorating. Instead of sitting back and watching the corn grow, gather some cornhusks and re-create a small part of history.

Things You'll Need

• Cornhusks
• Small pail
• Scissors
• String

Instructions

1. Soak your cornhusks in a pail of water. Water will soften the cornhusks and make them pliable.

2. Separate the cornhusks.

3. Place four cornhusks on your work surface. Stack the cornhusks on top of each other. The husks will form the head and body of your cornhusk doll.

4. Cut a length of string 6 inches long. Tie the pointed ends of the cornhusks together.

5. Beneath the tied end, separate the cornhusks into two sections. Bend the cornhusks over the tied string. You are forming the head of your cornhusk doll.

6. Cut a length of string 6 inches long. Tie the cornhusks into place. You have created your cornhusk doll head. The cornhusks under your doll's head will become the body of your doll.

7. Place two cornhusks on your work surface with the pointed ends out and the wide ends overlapping. You are creating the arms of your cornhusk doll.

8. Roll the cornhusks into a tube.

9. Cut three lengths of string 4 inches long. Tie the center of the tube together. Tie a knot at each pointed end of your cornhusk doll's arms.

10. Slide the cornhusk doll's arms between the cornhusks that form the body of your cornhusk doll.

11. Cut a length of string 6 inches long. Tie the cornhusk body together under the arms, securing the arms into place. You have formed the chest and waist of your cornhusk doll.

12. Decide whether you wish to create a cornhusk doll with legs. If you want to create legs for your doll, split the cornhusks under your doll's waist into two sections.

13. Cut two lengths of string 6 inches long. Tie each leg at the ankle.

14. Trim any excess string from your cornhusk doll.

Tips & Warnings

• You may choose to design your doll without legs. Leaving the cornhusks intact will create a long skirt for your doll. Add an apron or tie a ribbon around the waist of your cornhusk doll. Dress your doll with a miniature straw hat or shawl.

• Keep your cornhusks moist while you are making your doll. Allow your cornhusk doll to dry completely.

References

• Make a Cornhusk Doll
• Cornhusk Dolls