Creative Uses for Corn Husks

The most common use for corn husks is in cooking where they are often used for wrapping tamales. However, with a little bit of creativity and imagination there are countless crafts and home decor projects that you can create using corn husks. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Before you Start

You can either save your corn husks from when you peel corn on the cob and dry them yourself, or you can usually buy them already dry in most grocery stores. You will usually find them in the Hispanic foods aisle and they are often labeled as tamale wrappers.

Before starting your crafts, you may want to soak the corn husks in water for about 10 minutes to make them more flexible and easier to work with.

Corn Husk Bows

The unique texture and rustic look of corn husks makes them ideal for making beautiful bows that can be used to decorate any number of items. To make a simple corn husk bow, fold one husk in half and glue the ends together with a dab of glue. Repeat this with a second husk. Take the two loops you created and attach them to each other with the folded edges touching. Finish the bow by taking a 3rd corn husk, folding it in half lengthwise and then wrapping it around the center of the two loops.

These pretty corn husk bows look great as decorations on wreaths, flower arrangements, vases and are particularly suited for country or rustic decor.

Corn Husk Flowers

Using the same basic concept as with the corn husk bow, multiple husks in half and glue them at the ends to create loops. Attach all the loops together with the folded edges touching to create the petals of the flower. Glue a large, pretty bead in the middle to create the center of the flower. Or, try gluing in a silk flower or pine cone instead. Use your imagination to see what sort of creative ideas you can come up with.

You can leave the flowers the natural color of the corn husks or paint or dye them instead to add some extra color. Use these flowers to decorate packages and wreaths, or attach them to dowels and create your own unique flower arrangement.

Corn Husk Dolls

One of the most popular traditional crafts using corn husks is making corn husk dolls. Not only are these dolls fun to make and a great project for children, but they can be used to teach more about Native American culture as well. To find complete instructions on how to make corn husk dolls, please visit: http://www.nativetech.org/cornhusk/dollinst.html