How to Make Corn Shuck Dolls
Ever notice no matter what you spend on a toy, kids have more fun with the box it came in? Kids easily make their own fun. Corn-shuck dolls are a great project to do together because it's simple, quick and easy to clean up after.
Things You'll Need
- Corn shucks (husks)
- Large bowl of water
- Towel
- Sharp scissors
- Twine
- Permanent markers (optional)
- Cloth scraps (optional)
- Yarn (optional)
- Craft glue (optional)
Instructions
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1
Soak the corn shucks, or husks, in a bowl of water until they become soft and pliable; this takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
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2
Pat the corn shucks dry.
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3
Place a corn shuck on the table, widest side up. Layer two more on top, side-by-side but overlapping, and then place the fourth one on top of those.
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4
Tie all four corn shucks together about 1/2 inch down from the top with a piece of string.
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5
Trim the top of the corn shucks into a rounded shape.
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6
Turn the bundle upside down and fold the long ends of the corn shucks down over the cut edges.
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7
Tie the four corn shucks together just under the cut edges to form the head.
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8
Flatten a wide corn shuck, roll it tightly and tie each end a little bit in from the ends. If you can't find one wide enough, you can roll it tightly on a slight diagonal and then cut it to the proper length.
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9
Slide the rolled and tied corn shuck in between the four long corn shucks so there are two in front of the little rolled one, and two behind it.
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10
Tie a cord a little below the "arms" to form the waist.
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11
Cut a corn shuck in half lengthwise (or choose a narrow one). Wrap it behind the neck and cross the ends over the chest of the doll, the same way you would put on a shawl. Tie the ends down with string.
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12
Place an even number of corn shucks flat side up around the doll's waist to form a skirt, and tie them with string.
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13
Make legs by dividing the skirt evenly and tying the bundles in two places each to form knees and ankles.
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14
If desired, draw on faces, glue on yarn for hair, and make clothing from cloth scraps.
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Tips & Warnings
Let the corn shucks soften fully. Use craft glue that dries clear. Precut lengths of twine in 8 to 10 inch pieces before starting.
Supervise young children when working with scissors.
