Cornsilk Crafts
Cornsilk is the blond fiber layer between the outward husks and the corn kernels on a husk of corn. The silk has a variety of uses, including as a healing tea and in capsule form for treating high blood pressure and urethritis, and for promoting urination and healthy kidney function. It also has a variety of craft uses, including in doll making.
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Corn Husk Dolls
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Doll makers use cornsilk in the production of corn husk dolls in a variety of ways. Corn husk dolls are a type of doll originally made by Native American tribes by bending and tying corn husks. Cornsilk can be used as hair on the dolls or as skirts and aprons. The cornsilk can be cut to create a number of hairstyles on corn husk dolls, including long, flowing hair and short, spiky hair. It can also be colored to set it apart from the rest of the doll.
Cornsilk Powder Crafts
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Cornsilk powder is made from finely ground cornsilk. The powder gained popularity in the 1970s as an oil-absorbing, natural loose face powder. A decent amount of cornsilk, a blender and glass vials or small glass bottles are all you need to create cornsilk powder gifts to give to female friends and family. You can decorate the bottles/vials with small ribbons and cork stoppers. Make cornsilk tea at home by boiling the silk in water for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea, and straining it. For a gift idea, place the silk in sachets and drawstring bags along with instructions for making the tea.
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Jewelry and Keychains
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Native American tribes traditionally used cornsilk to create jewelry, and it is still used for assorted pieces in the 21st century. The silk can be plaited for use in necklace and bracelet crafts as well as for keychain crafts. The silk can be painted with glue to keep it together and then painted with assorted paints and glitters. Depending on skill level, a craftsperson can plait cornsilk in numerous ways, including three strand, fishtail and rope braids.
Art Projects
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A variety of art projects use cornsilk, including 2D painting projects, or sculptures that use plaited cornsilk. Corn husks may be used as the base for an art project that features corn kernels and cornsilk. Photographers may use cornsilk prints in projects, including photos on T-shirts, tote bags, coffee mugs, postcards, note cards, stickers, buttons and magnets.
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References
Resources
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