How to Make a Colonist Corn Doll

Remove the layers of husk from the corn cobs, setting aside the silk. Allow the husks to dry out thoroughly before use. You can bake them in a 200-degree oven for seven to 10 hours, watching and turning them to make sure they don't burn, or you can leave them to dry in the sun for three days.

Soak the layers of corn husk in the basin of water to soften them. Draw them out of the water and wrap them in a towel, gently squeezing to get rid of excess water that could lead to mold or mildew if the layers of husks don't dry properly.

Gather husks together, keeping the thin ends near the bottom. The gathers should vaguely resemble a handheld paper fan when they are tugged together properly.

Wrap twine around the bottom of your gathered husks, about an inch from the end, and pull tight so the layers are secure. Tie the twine in a knot. Use your scissors to cut off the loose ends of the twine.

Divide the layers of your secured corn husks in half with your hand and pull them apart. Draw them around the knot at the bottom of the husks, flipping them over it completely so it hides the original twine.

Create the head for the doll by wrapping twine around the bottom of the lump from the first knot, which is now inside the husks. Tie it tightly and cut off the ends of the twine.

Draw out three sections of husk from inside the doll on each side. Braid them together to create arms and hands. Tie off the ends, leaving enough beneath the twine for hands.

Loop twine 2 inches below the head to create the doll's waist.

Cover exposed twine by rolling pieces of dried husk into thin strips. Wrap and tie them around the twine.

Smooth and gather the silk you set aside. Braid it into a long rope, then center it atop the head so the braids are even on each side of the doll's face. Secure the braid in place with a hot glue gun.