Hey, do any of you crafters ever make corn dollies? I was thinking of trying to make some this year, since I'm going to have tons of corn shucks soon. A simple explanation of where to begin would help.

I'm trying to recall a garndparents project for a little sister...

A small roll up (of husk) for arms, a pebble for eht head overaid with husks and s second bigge pebble or peach pit for torso.

Don't forget to whittle a peach pit into the basket--my job about 50 years ago

I have been looking and found several instrutions on line for making corn dollies, or corn husk dolls. It's all sort of confusing, I know I have to dry the husks in the sun first, then wet them. I think I'll just wing it when it comes to assembling the dolls.

I make munecas (dolls) at least once a year.



I have a strict "no cheating" rule. No non-corn element is allowed, keeping the Maize Spirit strong. 6 husk leaves, 5 strips of husk, and a hank of silk. Braid 3 husk strips and knot each end for the arms/hands. Layer 3 husk leaves, the hank of silk running down the leaves, and 3 more leaves, tying them all off at the top (cob end) with a tie strip. Fold the leaves back, 3 on each side from the tie leaving the silk sticking up from the bundle. Use the last tie to form a sort of cross bodice under the head and tie the arms in at the same time. The tips of the husk leaves curl in different directions and look like a raggy dress in the wind. My grandmother whipped one of these up for me when I was a toddler and I have been making them ever since.

From here you can get all fancy and add in all sorts of things for fun.

Ria

Thanks so much RiaLarga for that pic and description! I will try that.

That's an awesome doll! I'll have to try it.

--J--

I made those for my girls when they were little. I will make some for this thanksgiving because even though my grandson won't treasure it, the girls will remember.

Just make the boy a truck. He'll treasure it, crash it, and ask you to make him another.

I got some plans for DH to do that. If I can manage to cut myself sharpening a paring knife, imagine what damage I could do with his saws.