Corn Husk Dolls

Everyone makes their corn husk dolls a little differently. So do not get discouraged by reading all the various instructions available online and in books. Just read through what you can, dry yourself some corn husks, and sit down at the table one day and make some dolls without following anyone's exact instructions.

Items Needed:
String
Dried Corn Husks
Large bowl filled with warm water
Scissors

1. Soak dried corn husks in water. Cut string for use, about 5 inches in length.

2. Grab several large corn husks from the bowl and tie about 1 to 2 inches down from one end.

3. Now pull the lengths of the husk down over what is to be the head part, like peeling a banana.

4. Shape head and tie string around what is to be the neck.

5. Remove three husks from the bowl. Tie at one end, braid, and tie off. Cut ends to make even.

6. Place arms between the lengths of husk. Tie waist beneath arms with string to hold in place.

7. Using thin strips of corn husk, criss-cross around chest, wrap waist, and neck. Tuck ends in (you can tie off the husk strips before tucking them in). Use thin husk strips to tie over the strings at arm edges.

8. To fill out her skirt, trim, as shown, the widest corn husks you have.

9. Wrap these husks around her middle and tie with string into place.

10. Wrap her middle and then trim the bottom of her skirt.
For her head, you can glue on dried corn silk for her hair, or, as I do, take a large rectangular piece of husk, fold it, and tie it as her head scarf.

11. To dry, I usually stick a butter knife up her skirt :-) and set the handle of the butter knife in a coffee mug. This keeps her upright while she dries which takes about 2 weeks or longer.
Once she is dry, you can use glue on any lose bits.

These make nice Thanksgiving gifts, Bride dolls, altar images, and toys for kids.