Another favorite activity to take us back to the past!
I love to see the excitement build for a couple days after I tell my children we're going to make corn husk dolls. Most have no idea what I'm talking about, but they sense it must be fun!
This is not my original idea, but found it about 20 years ago, modified it slightly, and have been using it ever since. And yes, it is a fun time!
The steps are simple:
1. Soak the dry corn husks in warm water to make them soft and flexible.
(few minutes)
2. Lay 4-6 pieces together.
3. Tie with string at the top.
4. Flip half (either 2 or 3) over so the tied part is hidden.
5. Make another tie about an inch - inch and half down (creating the head)
6. Bunch a couple smaller (even size) pieces together and slide between layers (arms).
7. Tie at the waist, and at the end of each arm.
8. Split the bottom half apart to make legs, tie at each end.
I love the way the children help each other. I have parent helpers (about 1/5 students), who help with tying or cutting fabric, but the children do a great job helping each other, too.
After the doll is made, well, then the real fun begins....making clothes. I ask for fabric scraps, ribbon, and lace ( lace is a must!). I give some suggestions, but then try to stay as hands off as possible as the children come up with their ideas. Some will have ideas that need help -- cutting or tying, but truly it's fun to watch them create, problem solve, and be so proud of the end result.
A few fashionable examples:
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