How To Make Corn Husk Dolls

Where corn was grown as a crop, children, in both Native American and Colonial American 
families, used husks to fashion dolls. Follow these simple instructions and 
refer to the accompanying diagrams to create your own unique doll.

Materials Needed:
	string
	scissors
	a bucket of water
	bags of cornhusks- most easily purchased (dried, cleaned and in uniform sizes) at a local craft store
	cornhusk 
	doll diagram page (print out)

Directions

****Before beginning, soak cornhusks in a bucket of water until they are soft and pliable.****


  
 
    

    
Take 
      four cornhusks and arrange them in as shown.
  
  
 
    

    
Using 
      a small piece of string, tie the straight ends together tightly.
  
  
 
    

    
Trim 
      and round the edges with scissors.
  
  
 
    

    
Turn 
      upside down and pull long ends of husks down over the trimmed edges.
  
  
 
    

    
Tie 
      with string to form the "head."
  
  
 
    

    
Take 
      another husk, flatten it, and roll into a tight cylinder.
  
  
 
    

    
Tie 
      each end with string. This forms the doll’s arms. 
  
  
 
    

    
Fit 
      the arms inside of the long husks, just below the "neck."
  
  
 
    

    
Tie 
      with string, as shown, to form a "waist."
  
  
 
    

    
Drape 
      a husk around the arms and upper body in a criss-cross pattern to form "shoulders."
  
  
 
    

    
Take 
      four or five husks, straight edges together, and arrange around waist. 

      These form a "skirt" for the doll.
  
  
 
    

    
Tie 
      with string.
  
  
 
    

    
If 
      desired, follow the diagram to form legs for the doll. Tie legs with small 
      strips of husks as indicated. Finish off the doll by tying small strips 
      of husk around the neck and waist to hide the string. Small scraps of cloth 
      may be used to dress the doll.