Cornhusk Character Dolls Craft

steps for cornhusk doll.

        America's first dolls were made of cornhusks, or shacks as they are called in some localities. Just when they were first made is not known, but historians tell us the Penobscot Native tribe made such dolls for their children. Probably these Natives as well as other tribes showed the white settlers how to make the dolls. They are still made by women of the eastern and southern mountain regions not only for the pleasure of their children and grandchildren but for sale to tourists who are looking for a souvenir typical of the locality.
       Husk dolls have many possibilities as decorative character dolls or for use on banquet tables. Any kind of character can be represented. They are easy to make and the materials are available in almost any section of the country. The husks of either field corn or sweet corn may be used. They must be dry, however, so if green husks are stripped from the ears of sweet corn they should be allowed to dry for several days. They may be used in their natural shades of cream color and soft brownish or they may be dyed by simmering gently in a pan of water to which fabric dye has been added.
       Cut off stem end of husk first of all and discard hard outside husks and any that are broken or ragged. Soak husks in warm water for an hour or so until they are pliable.
       Basically, all dolls are made in the same manner. Gather half a dozen or so of the husks into a bunch and tie a string about four inches from bottom to make doll's waist (photograph 1). Roll up a ball of husks about 3/4" inch in diameter. Separate husks just above waist string and tuck in ball of husk around bunch just above ball. This makes doll's upper body (photograph 3). Roll another ball of husk and tuck it in center just above string. Bring ends of husk down at back and tie again at neck to make head. Cut a piece of pipe cleaner about three inches long. Wrap a roll of husk tightly around wire to make arms. Wrap husks loosely around roll to make sleeves. Tie at wrists with narrow bands of husk. Tie arms, in sleeves, to body at neck (photograph 4).
       Having completed basic form of lady doll you can let your imagination take over from here. Give her hair of corn silk or yarn, glued to the head in any sort of hairdo. Paint on features. Acrylic paint is excellent for painting features as well as for adding stripes, plaids or polka-dots to clothing. Aprons, hats or bonnets may be shaped of damp, pliable husks and tied in place with narrow strips of husks. Bend arms and hands into position. Spread skirts by stuffing bits of crumpled newspaper into center of bunch of damp husks. When husks dry they will remain in spread position and allow lady to stand.

         "Cornhusk dolls can be made into any characters you wish. They make an excellent "whatnot" shelf or as additions to the doll decorations for banquet tables, for use on the collection."

       Men are made in same manner except that a wire skeleton must be used in legs. Also, husks are wrapped around skeleton to make legs and trousers instead of skirts. Legs can be bent into any position. To make men stand it will be necessary to glue one or both feet to cardboard base. Our square dancing
male has only one foot glued down to base to allow for bending of other leg into dancing position. Ladies with shorter skirts or little girls will also need a wire skeleton to allow them to stand. Elma Waltner, The Workbasket magazine, 1962.

More Ways To Make Cornhusk Dolls:

• How to make traditional Corn Husk Dolls
• Cornhusk doll by May Deschamps