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How to Make a Pioneer Doll

Before toys were a multi-billon dollar industry, families often made their toys from materials around them. It follows that as the Native Americans taught the European settlers how to cultivate corn, they also shared a fun use for cornhusks. Most cultures that grow corn also make cornhusk dolls. Examples are found in Latin American and African countries.

Traditionally, not all toys were made to be keepsakes. Some toys were designed to fall apart as the children grew older and put aside their childish things. Children may personalize and accessorize their cornhusk dolls in a traditional or contemporary style. Children will have fun both making and then playing with their cornhusk figures.

Things You'll Need

Waterproof table covering
Dried cornhusks
Bowl
Water
Paper towels
Ruler
String
Scissors
Cornsilk (optional)
Fabric (optional)
Glue (optional)
Fine point marker (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Cover table with waterproof tablecloth. Soak cornhusks, which are available at your local craft store, in a bowl of water for one hour, until they are soft and pliable. You will need six husks for each doll. Blot with paper towels to remove excess water.
- 2
  Put the tips of four husks together, measure down 1-1/2 inches and tie tightly with a 5-inch length of string
  
  Hold tied-together tips by their ends and fold the rest of the husks over the tips to hide knotted string. Shape folded-over husks into an oval shape for doll's head. Secure with another piece of string at the doll's neck.
  
  Roll one husk to form a tube, which will be the arm piece. Fasten both ends of tube with string to make the hands. Slide arm piece between the husks of the body and tie underneath at at the doll's waist to secure arms.
- 3
  Remaining husk may be cut and used to cover upper body of doll as an apron, a shawl or a scarf. Position husk pieces so that they hide the strings.To make a doll with pants, split husks from bottom up and tie off at ankles.
  
  Traditionally, corn silk was attached for hair. Scraps of fabric could be tied or glued on to doll. Use a fine tip marker to add facial features. Legend has it, certain Native American tribes do not draw faces on their cornhusk dolls.

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