Corn husk dolls

Either works, but the husks must be dried. You can save the husks from corn on the cob and dry them out, or buy bags of dried corn husks, often sold for cooking tamales, from many shops. Dried husks are what the craft uses, since they are then soaked to become pliable for working and stiffen again as they dry. Fresh green husks can be used but need drying first, so bought dried husks are the simplest starting point.

They are too dry and need soaking. Dried corn husks are brittle and crack or tear if folded or tied while dry, so they must be soaked in warm water for several minutes until soft and flexible like wet leather before working. Keep a bowl of water beside you and re-wet any husks that dry out as you go. Once properly soaked, the husks fold and bind smoothly without cracking.

It comes from an Iroquois legend about humility. The story tells of a beautiful corn husk doll who became vain about her appearance, and as a result was left without a face, so many traditional corn husk dolls are deliberately made faceless to carry that lesson. Beyond the tradition, the blank face gives the dolls a quiet, timeless quality. You can honour the custom by leaving the face plain or add simple features if you prefer.

Tie every binding very tightly while the husks are wet. Corn husks shrink as they dry, so ties that feel secure on wet husks loosen once dry, which is the usual reason a doll goes floppy or comes apart. Pull each thread as tight as you can before knotting, so that even after shrinkage the bindings still hold firm. Letting the finished doll dry fully, standing or hanging, then stiffens the husks into a permanent, sturdy shape.