Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Corn Husk Dolls

Thank you for your comments on my dad's childhood books this past Friday. I will make my way around to your show and tells; a weekend migraine slowed me down. I'm excited to see that many of you will be joining in for our week of "Giving Thanks!" I have added a few more details to the post, along with the code for the small picture.

Corn husk doll
Today, I am sharing our corn husk dolls. In our Faith Keeper's group, we are working on our American Heritage badge and all of the girls wanted to make dolls for the craft project.

Corn husk dolls

Corn husk dolls

Crafting
Lots of busy hands! Here is what you will need to make your own dolls:

Corn husks
~Corn husks (found in the produce department of many stores. I found them in the Latin foods section at Walmart.)
~String
~Scissors
~Hats and tiny flowers are optional (I found them at Hobby Lobby)

Corn husks
You will need 6 husks for each doll. Soak husks in sink or bowl of warm water until they are soft and bendable. This takes about 15 minutes.

Corn husks
Lay husks on towel. You will need to make your doll while they are still wet.

Corn Husks
Choose four husks about the same size and lay them down on top of another.

Corn husk doll
Tie the pointy ends together close to the top. It helps to have a buddy when making the dolls. Make sure you get the string very tight and tie several knots. Trim ends.

Corn husk doll
Separate the husks into two sections (two husks in each hand) and flip them over so that the string is inside.

Corn husk doll
This forms the doll's head.

Corn husk doll
Tie a string around the husks to make the head.

Corn husk doll
Take another corn husk and smooth it flat. Trim the pointed end straight across with scissors.

Corn husk doll
Roll the husk into a tight tube and tie each end of tube with a piece of string. This forms the arms.

Corn husk doll
Separate the husks again (two in each hand).

Corn husk doll
Place the tube between the body husks, right below the head, so that an arm sticks out on each side.

Corn husk doll
Make a waist for the doll by tying a piece of string around the body husks below the arms.

Corn husk doll
Take another husk and roll up, loosely.

Corn husk doll
Warp it around the back of the neck and criss-cross across the chest.

Corn husk doll
Bring back around to the back and secure with string.

Corn husk doll

Corn husk doll
Your doll is finished and should have a beautiful corn husk skirt. Set aside to dry.

Corn husk doll
You can also make pants by cutting up the center of husks.

Corn husk doll
And tying string at the ankles and knees.

Corn husk dolls
Corn husk doll faces are usually left blank, but we added a little blush to their cheeks.

Corn husk doll
We also gave our dolls tiny straw hats decorated with flowers.

Corn husk doll

Corn husk doll
Grace and her doll.

Corn husk doll
Emily and her doll.

Corn husk dolls
Thank you for taking a look and let me know if you make some, too. They would be so cute added to a Thanksgiving centerpiece or place even card holders!

66 comments:

Tammy said...

That is SO adorable! My girls would absolutely love making this...
My grandmother actually told me she really did have a corn cob doll that she played with when she was little, and I was always amazed...
This one is so cute!

Lindsay-ann said...

Hi Kelli
Those corn husk dolls are really special. Your beautiful daughters look so proud of their dolls. My daughter and I would love to try making some too. Thanks for the clear instructions and inspiration once again.
Hope you are feeling much better.
Have a lovely week.
Lindsay

Lena said...

These dolls all turned out charming, Kelli. My congratulations to the girls on their lovely work.

Your instructions are wonderful, thank you!

Naturegirl said...

Kelli great turorial of corn husk dolls! You are a born teacher!
Love the girls too!hugs

Naturegirl said...

tsk tsk..I meant tutorial..did you catch that one!

Terri said...

My daughter would love making this. Thank you for the step by step instructions, Kelli!

Amma said...

Absolutely adorable--I'm off to WalMart to get some corn husks. The grandchildren will love playing with them at Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

Big big sympathy re migraine- I got one of my bad bad headaches yesterday, still have it today, so that means no tv, or internet - I am visiting only for a few mins...no reading... it is awful! so hope yours is better soon!!

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

The dolls are really neat...great project to do with your daughters!

Mrs. H. said...

Hi Kelli,
I'm so sorry you had a migraine this weekend! :-( Glad you are feeling better. Thank you so much for the instructions for the corn husk dolls - I have always wanted to make some!

Arlene G said...

Thanks for sharing..Kendall and I will have to make some of those dolls!

Juanita said...

Love the dolls. Thanks so much for sharing this. I can make these with my granddaughter! Have a blessed day!
Juanita

Becky said...

Kelli, thank you for always sharing your many talents with us bloggers. The corn husk dolls are adorable.

Judy said...

How adorable. I have to share this with my daughter who lives in Minnesota. She always is looking for things to make with her kids. Thanks for sharing this Kelli.

Julian said...

i always wanted to know how to make thoes! Gillian saw the pictures, and she wants to make one too! Thanks for including the instructions.
Happy Fall!
Christina

Heather said...

wow, these are outstanding!

Jules said...

They are so adorable! I remember making simular dolls when I was in Girl Scouts, only we used cloth. If I get a chance I may use that craft for my Sun. Sch. class for Thanksgiving. :o) Thanks for sharing!

Needled Mom said...

I hope you are feeling better as the week starts. Migraines are no fun.

I love the corn husk dolls. I think I will do these with my granddaughters as they would love the project. Your instructions make it very clear on how to assemble one. Thanks

The girls look so proud of their dolls. I am so glad that you are passing all of your talents onto them.

Lisa said...

These are adorable! Thanks for posting this. It is a great idea for a cold fall day indoors!

Elizabeth said...

Yep, I remember making those dolls. Only, mine didn't look as cute as your do. Good work!

I will be stopping by again, but have a wonderful week!

Blessings,
Elizabeth

Tina said...

These are so sweet and brought back some memories. Thanks for the detailed instructions.
T

Sandy said...

What a fun idea! :)

Georgia Girl said...

Gosh these are so cute Kellie! Thanks for the instuctions on how to make them. Now I just have to find some corn husk to make some.

Rengin Yazitas said...

Hi Kelly,
I'm so glad that I reached your blog from your Etsy store.
I love corn but I must admit that I never thought that a corn cob should be turn a lovely doll:) Thanks so much sharing.
Hope you're feeling better, take care of yourself.
Rengin, in Istanbul

Jennifer said...

Good ideas, we have a 4 and 2 year old, so I will have to do something like this when they are older.

Anonymous said...

Great project!
Diane

Sharon said...

I just love them and I am sure that the children had fun putting them together. Thanks for the lesson.

Jodi said...

I think these dolls are absolutely perfect for Thanksgiving. I love the addition of the hat and flower!

Anonymous said...

i hope you are feeling better. The dolls are so cute and the pictures of the girls are priceless.

BECKY said...

More coincidences, Kelli, I have a Keepers at Home Club for 8-12 year old homeschooled girls that meets here at my home!! We just finished a counted cross stitch project, and some of the girls entered them in the fair. Sounds like if we were in the same town we'd be buddies! :)

These dolls are adorable!! You do such a great job on all that you do! Thanks for sharing.
Becky

Anonymous said...

How cute! What a great way to add to fall decor :) Thanks for sharing! (Thank your daughters too ;))

You've probably already received this, but I got the "uber awesome blog" award and I'm giving it to you too because your blog is one of my favorites :) (See my blog for more if for some odd reason you've haven't been given this award yet)

Charree said...

These are adorable.

Tara said...

Precious!!!

Mindy said...

Thank you so much for posting these directions! I've been wanting to make some of these with my girls.

Lady Katherine said...

The corn husk dolls turned out great, I still have the dolls I made 20 years ago! Brought back a lot memories.

Julie said...

How cute! i made those when I was in Girl Scounts!!

Christine said...

Those turned out so cute! I hope you are feeling beter today! Tiyr sweet gift came in the mail Saturday, what a treat! Thank you so much!

Anonymous said...

Kelli,
They are so cute! You are so gifted by God! Thank you for sharing.
Miriam :)

Janet, said...

Those are so cute. The hat and flowers added just the touch to make them pop.

Simply Heart And Home said...

Kelli,

Your corn husk dolls are so darling! Thank you for sharing your tutorial with us!

Gina

Susie Homemaker said...

Oh, I remember making these when I was a young girl (eons ago)...thanks so much for the memories...thanks for the button code too! I have it posted and am looking forward to your post...

Blessings,
Susie

GlorV1 said...

Hi Kelli. I usually use those corn husks for tamales and making dolls out of them looks like so much fun. You know that the hair the husks have in them is usually red and that can be used as hair for the dolls. Its not really hair, but it is inside the husks of the corn when picked. Very nice. Thx.

Michelle said...

These are so sweet! I think it's really great that you involve your kids in creativity. I think it's so important in addition to their education and you're probably just as great of a teacher as you are a baker and crafter!

Kathy said...

Those are wonderful!

Anonymous said...

VERY sweet! My 2yo decided she wanted a corn-husk DOG! And the patient old ladies at the American Revolution re-enactment made her one!! It's so stinking cute, too.

Thanks for your clear instructions and tutorials. I made those caramel apple cards for favors for a fall party recently. They were so adorable.

Ms. Tee said...

Those dolls are so cute...and so are your girls. :)

Anonymous said...

Evening, Kelli! Oh, thank you for the wonderful instructions on how to make these little adorable dolls. I have always been amazed and wondered how they were put together!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Kerri said...

Kelli,
I love these, Acelia would love to make them. They would look good on my mantle with my fall leaves. Thanks for sharing.
Love Kerri

Kelly said...

Adorable just adorable!!!! I cannot wait to do our weekly shopping to get these corn husks!!! My daughter will love this, thank you Kelli for another awesome idea!!!! I had never heard or seen this one before, I am thrilled!

Anonymous said...

What is a Faith Keepers group?

letterstoelijah said...

those are just too cute!
thanks for all the detailed photos :)

LadySnow said...

I have always wanted to make those, but never took the time. It's nice to know that the husks are readily available.

emily said...

The dolls turned out adorable! Thanks for the instructions, I might have to try my hand at them!
~emily

Sweetie said...

The dolls are adorable - and they even wear hats. We had a children's activity at our annual Canal Era Day the first Saturday of October. The children make corn dolls but they are not nearly as sophticated as yours. Your instructions are so concise and easy to follow. Thanks for a great post.
Hugs,
Sweetie

Deb said...

Oh what fun! I remember (a long time ago!) making something like this for my Girl Scout troop.
YOur girls are beautiful! I know that you're so proud of them.

being molded said...

They are precious! I had a corn husk doll when I was little. I will be printing this off to make with my girls!

Elena said...

So cute! Such a fun craft for little girls. Thanks for sharing!

Jeanie said...

I am very new to your blog, and am truly enjoying your tutorials! The dolls are so dear!

Anonymous said...

What sweet little corn husk dolls. You always give such good detailed instructions for making all the neat things you share. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Hugs,
Charlotte

Being Mrs Miles said...

Hi Kelli,

I am sorry for your headache. I hope one day they have a good cure for migraines. I will lift you up in prayer though.

Your corn husk dolls are darling - thank you for sharing.

~ Barb

Pink Slippers said...

I want to make those so bad. How precious.
I love them.

Lois Christensen said...

The dolls are beautiful. I'm sure your girls are going to have wonderful memories of all the special things you do with them! Have a great day!

Mel said...

Those are awesomely cute! Great tutorial! I bookmarked it for if we ever want to make some.

Amanda said...

I'm sorry for being so late in commenting - this week has been very busy. Actually, this month has been pretty busy!

Thank you so much for this tutorial! Of course now I MUST try this! Where did you find the hats?

Anonymous said...

so cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rimonim said...

Now I know what corn husks are since English is not my first language. Now I know what beautiful things I can do with them when I buy fresh corn. Thank you for the excellent explanations.