How to Make Bracelets From Indian Corn

These elastic bracelets are made with the colorful kernels of dried Indian corn that is often used for decorations around Halloween and Thanksgiving. (Do not try this with candy Indian corn or it will melt during step two.) You can also use plain yellow dried corn or embellish the bracelets with beads. Indian corn is readily available in craft stores during the fall and children usually enjoy this holiday craft.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• dried Indian corn
• bowl of warm water
• elastic thread
• needle

1. Remove the kernels from the ear of corn if it is still on the cob. If the corn is completely dry it should be easy to pick the kernels off, but it may take awhile.

2. Soften the Indian corn kernels. Place them in a bowl and cover them with hot water. If you are short on time you can also simply boil the kernels until they soften. Don’t let them get too mushy-you want them to be just soft enough to thread a needle through.

3. Drain the excess water from the corn kernels. You don’t want them to be too slippery when you begin to thread them, but you want them to be soft enough to work with.

4. Measure and cut the elastic. Fit it around the person’s wrist, but allow it enough stretch to fit over the widest part of the hand. Leave at least an extra couple of inches to tie it together.

5. Thread the needle by inserting one end of the elastic into it.

6. Draw the needle through each softened kernel of corn. Supervise young children if they use needles or scissors.

7. Tie the ends of the elastic together after the desired number of kernels has been threaded.