DIY Network

Make a Country Cornshuck Doll From "DIY Crafts" episode DIC-138

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With some imagination, you can "dress" and decorate cornhusk dolls so that each one is a unique creation.< < Figure A< < Figure B< < Figure C< < Figure D< < Figure E

Native Americans have made cornhusk dolls since corn became a staple in their culture more than a thousand years ago. Dollmaker Jewel Sanders shows how to make a cornhusk doll.

Materials:

Cornhusks in natural and in a color, slightly damp*
Plastic foam ball
Chenille stems (pipe cleaners)
Low-temperature glue gun and glue
String, strong thread or raffia
Cotton balls

*Soak the cornhusks in water to soften them. Before working with them, let dry until they are slightly damp and pliable.

1. Cut a pipe cleaner about 2" long, and push one end into a 1" plastic foam ball.

2. Wrap a cornhusk around the ball and pipe cleaner with the smooth side of the cornhusk on the outside. Twist the cornhusk under the ball and around the pipe cleaner to make the head and neck. Hot-glue in place, or tie with string around the neck.

3. For the arms, roll a small piece of cornhusk around a short piece of pipe cleaner to make arms in proportion to the size of the doll. Tie the ends with string about 1/4" from the end of the pipe cleaner to make hands.

4. Attach the arms to the neck pipe-cleaner portion by placing the arms perpendicular to the neck and crisscrossing the joint with string, forming an X around the arms and neck pipe cleaner (figure A).

5. Wrap a cornhusk around two cotton balls placed in the center of the cornhusk, ncasing them. Fold the top third of the cornhusk over toward the bottom end, and tie this front part of the dress to the front of the doll with string around the waist. The fold should be placed just below the head. Anchor the fold to the neck with a little hot glue (figure B).

6. Tear cornhusks in half with the grain. Place one strip over the right shoulder, and crisscross it diagonally over the body. Place another strip over the left shoulder, and crisscross it likewise (figure C). Repeat and tie these around the waist with string.

7. Bend the arms so that they're above the doll's head. This makes it easier to work on the skirt. Place three strips of natural-colored cornhusk parallel to the length of the doll's body, with one on each side and one on the back (figure D ). Use a colored cornhusk last, and place it over the one on the back. Tie around the waist with string. If possible, have someone hold the doll while you do the tying.

8. Pull the ends of the cornhusks that are above the doll's head down toward the bottom of the skirt, covering the string around the waist. Add a purchased basket of flowers and a cornhusk bonnet (figure E).