DIY Corn Husk Dolls/Figures

Appropriate for grades:
Subject areas: Visual and Performing Arts


Harvest is a special time for communities around the world; this is the time when crops are picked and gathered in, or meat is preserved. Communities work together to harvest food and store it to feed their families over the long winter or dry season. Harvest also means celebrations for the abundance of food and good company. Many crops provide not only food, but clothing, and the supplies to make decorations and crafts. For example, corn or maize is a staple food for many cultures and multiple parts are used for creating many things. The corncob is used as a brush and fuel for a fire, the corn husk is braided, woven, and shaped to make rope, mats, and even dolls. Harvest dolls are made in many countries out of corn husks, wheat straw, or straw of other grains.

Feel the texture of working with natural materials, try making your own corn husk figure, what will you make?

 

You'll need:

  • corn husks or paper bag
  • pipe cleaners or string
  • tacky glue
  • scissors 
  • decorative elements: pieces of fabric, ribbon, yarn, and sequins.

 

Procedures 

 

Download Lesson Plan