By Aldona Bird
Newsroom@DominionPost.com
It is corn season. Along with corn on the cob, corn chowder, and grilled corn come corn husks. Before you toss them in the trash or compost, consider using these natural and biodegradable crafting materials.
Corn husks are ideal for making decorations for the changing season. One such decoration, which can double as a toy for little ones, is corn husk dolls.
To make your own corn husk dolls, you will need:
- corn husks
- scissors
- thread or twine
First prepare your corn husks. If they are dry, soak them until they become soft and flexible without cracking. Using fresh also works well — this is a fun project to keep your hands busy while you are chatting with family after a meal.
Begin with four medium sized husks. With twine or thick thread tie them together about an inch from the top end. Pull each husk back, so the ends of the husks are inside, and scrunch them together below where the tops (now inside the bundle) end.
This will create the shape for the head. If you don’t like the shape pull the husks back and trim the ends, rounding the edges.
Once you are happy with the head shape, tie again at the neck.
To make the arms of the doll, fold a husk in quarters or thirds to get the length you want of both arms continuously. Roll the folded piece up, and use as is or tie at the right places.
Tuck this roll in between the husks below the head, and fit it up snugly. Tie underneath the arms to hold them in place.
You now have your basic doll form, and from here you can customize it in many ways.
Add a criss-cross shirt or dress by placing and holding the end of a husk at one side of the back waist of the doll, with the top of the husk pointing up. Fold the husk over the opposite shoulder. Repeat on the other side.
Tie another string or use a small piece of husk to belt at the waist.
To make this into a dress, use large husks and leave them long. To make a shirt cut the husks below the belt.
You can make distinct legs by dividing the original four husks and tying two together on either side.
Make a different dress by securing three or four husks upside down under the arms. Fold the husks down so the original tie doesn’t show, and secure with a belt.
Make head a scarf by folding a very flexible husk in half lengthwise and wrapping it around the doll’s head. Tie it under the chin or wrap it around and tie in back.
Dolls can be added to fall flower arrangements, or given to children to customize and use as seasonal minimalistic toys, or add angle wings and use them during the holiday season.
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