Making A Corn Dolly

What is a corn dolly? It’s been several years since I first heard of a corn dolly.

After I started seeing them I looking into them because I thought they were cute. I also thought it might be a good teaching moment for my grandkids and a fun afternoon making one.

A Quick History of the Corn Dolly

In olden days, and I mean very olden days, like the 4th century, give or take a few centuries, when the farmers harvested their grain, they thought the spirit of the grain had no where to go.

Therefore, Corn dollies were made to give that spirit a place to reside after the harvest. The following spring when the farmer would again sew his grain, the spirits could then go back out into the fields where they would stay during the growing season.

In those days corn was more of a catch all term for grain and the word for “dollie” loosely meant spirit. Therefore, a corn dolly was equated to a Spirit of the Grain.

Since the farmers wanted the grain spirit to be happy, to ensure a successful crop for the next year, the corn dolly was well tended during the cold and dark months of the year.

In some clans or tribes the oldest woman of the clan would make the corn dolly. In others it was the youngest woman of the clan. Either way the dolly was always well cared for and placed in a safe and honored place until the following planting season.

Not all dollies looked like dolls. They were made in all shapes and sizes and configurations. They were, as a general rule, made from corn husks, wheat stalks or combinations thereof.

Today, corn dollies are made mostly for fun. Some still make them as a tribute to a specific season. Some make them for spring and others for the end of fall.

Whatever your reason, they are fun and easy to make with the kiddos and even funner to decorate. The creativity that can go into making these dollies is endless.

Here’s what you need

• 4-6 dried corn husks. How many you use depends on how full of a skirt you would like. I bought my husks in the ethnic section as the grocery store. I originally bought these for making corn tamales, but never used them all.
• Spray bottle with water. Some people soak them in water, but that seemed like it would be really messy to me. It would probably be okay if you’re working outside. But for inside, I prefer a spray bottle.
• String or twine of some sort.
• Scissors
• Ribbons and other embellishments of your choice.

First, spray the corn husks with water and massage it in a bit to make them pliable so they don’t tear or rip while your working with them.

Next, you’ll want to stack them so the small edges are together at the top and tie them with string.

After you tie the bundle a the top, find somewhere close to the middle and fold them over the knot. Then you’ll tie a string around that to make the head.

There are several ways to make the arms. I’ve seen some people who tear the husks into smaller strips, then braid the strips to make the arms.

I like the puffy sleeve look, because I think it goes well with the full skirt. So, I sprayed down a few more corn husks and set them opposite on top of each other and rolled them together. Then I tied strings at each end creating a ruffled effect where the hands would be.

Then you’ll want to find the middle of your husks again and put your arms in the middle and up towards the head.

Now you can tie a string around what is her waist. Now your skirt starts just below the arms.

At this point you can decorate her any way you want. You can make an apron around her waist or a tunic that slides over he head and ties at the waist, or tie a favorite colored ribbon around her waist, like I did.

I also made the knots at her wrists into bows to look a bit more finished. You can do this with all kinds of different twines or ribbons, adding all kinds of color and textures.

I’ve seen people use wheat heads added to the head to make a head dress of sorts. I think these look really cool, but I didn’t have any when I made mine.

Be creative, embellish her and make her your own. Post her picture in the comments for all of us to see. I’d love to see what you came up with.

Thanks for joining me today. I hope you enjoyed your stay.

Next week I’ll be making homemade shampoo. it’s way more inexpensive and great for your hair. I look forward to seeing you next week.

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Until next time – Health, Wealth & Blessing ~ Tracey