Ever save the husks after a Thanksgiving feast and wonder what else you could do with them? In the Southwest, corn husk dolls and festive decorations have long been part of seasonal gatherings. They add warmth and meaning to the harvest season.

At Loma Vista Products, we honor the deep ties between food, culture, and creativity. Corn has always been at the heart of Southwestern kitchens, from tamales to tortilla, and its husks carry history too. Families have used them since ancient times to cook and make heritage crafts with.

In this post, we’ll share the cultural roots of corn husk crafts, what you’ll need to get started, and easy family-friendly project ideas for your next fall or Thanksgiving craft day.

Corn Husks and Their Place in Southwest Culture

For centuries, corn has been more than food in the Southwest. Pueblo and Native communities have used corn husks for cooking, weaving, wrapping, and art. 

Antique corn husk dolls are one of the oldest known Native American children’s toys, made across different cultures for teaching, storytelling, and ritual. They could represent spirits or ancestors in oral tradition.

These traditions remain meaningful in Indigenous communities today. Families can take inspiration from their history while creating their own seasonal crafts. Making your own decorations or dolls can be a way to connect kids with the meaning of food and culture. 

And because dried husks are often leftover from tamales or roasted corn, they’re a natural, sustainable material to reuse. Turning them into DIY fall décor is both eco-friendly and a fun way to bond as a family.

Materials, Tools, and Prep for Corn Husk Crafts

Before you begin, corn husks need a little prep to make them easy to shape and fold. Start by rinsing them, then soak them in warm water for 10–15 minutes. This softens the husks, making them pliable and ready for crafting.

For most projects, you’ll need just a few simple supplies:

• Corn husks (dried or fresh, soaked to soften)
• Twine or string for tying pieces together
• Scissors for trimming and shaping
• Glue for securing pieces that won’t stay bound
• Beads, ribbons, or fabric scraps to decorate dolls or wreaths
• Food-safe dyes or natural colors (like turmeric, hibiscus, or coffee) to add color
• Optional extras: dried chiles, flowers, or herbs for Southwest-style touches

Think of corn husks as a blank canvas. Once softened, they can be twisted, braided, dyed, or layered into countless shapes. 

From simple Thanksgiving crafts to intricate vintage corn husk dolls, a little creativity goes a long way.

And since these materials are inexpensive and biodegradable, corn husk crafts are an eco-friendly choice for seasonal decorating. Next, let’s look at some easy projects your family can try together.

Simple Corn Husk Art & Craft Projects for Families

Crafting with corn husks is simple, inexpensive, and fun for all ages. Below are a few easy projects to try at home, complete with step-by-step instructions.

How To Make a Corn Husk Doll

Corn shuck dolls are a classic harvest craft that kids love because every doll turns out a little different. With just a few husks and some string, you can make a simple doll in minutes.

Here are some straightforward corn husk doll instructions for your DIY Thanksgiving project.

You’ll need: softened corn husks, twine, scissors, optional fabric or beads

1. Bundle the husks — Take 3–4 softened husks and layer them together. Tie string about an inch from the top to form the doll’s head.
2. Shape the arms — Roll or fold a smaller husk and slide it crosswise through the bundle. This forms the arms.
3. Tie the body — Fold longer husks down around the arms to cover them. Tie at the waist with string.
4. Add details — Trim the bottom for a skirt or tie separate husks into pant legs. Leave the face blank (traditional), or add small decorations if kids want.

When you’re done, you’ll have a handmade doll that’s fun to display or give as a seasonal keepsake.

How To Make a Corn Husk Flower

These flowers are one of the easiest art activities for Thanksgiving, and they’re perfect for adding natural color to your home.

Steps:

1. Cut softened husks into petal shapes.
2. Layer 4–6 petals in a circle.
3. Tie the center with string and fan out the petals.
4. Add color with natural dye or food coloring if desired.

These flowers look beautiful on their own or bundled into a bouquet. Try slipping one onto each napkin ring for Thanksgiving dinner.

How To Make a Corn Husk Wreath

If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving holiday craft that makes a big seasonal statement, a DIY corn husk wreath is a simple but stunning option.

Steps:

1. Start with a wire or grapevine wreath form.
2. Layer softened husks around the frame, overlapping as you go.
3. Tie or glue the ends in place.
4. Decorate with dried chiles, marigolds, or beads for a Southwest fall wreath.

Hang it on your front door or over the fireplace to bring a touch of the harvest season into your home.

How To Make a Corn Husk Garland

Garlands are a great way to decorate large spaces, and they’re easy enough for kids to help make.

Steps:

1. Twist or braid husks into strands.
2. Tie together in a long chain.
3. Add small flowers, beads, or herbs between knots.

Stretch your garland across a mantel, window, or dining table. It’s an easy way to bring Southwest charm into any fall celebration.

Corn husk decorations are more than just fun Thanksgiving craft ideas.  They’re deeply rooted in history and heritage. Indigenous communities in the Southwest have long used corn husks for practical, spiritual, and artistic purposes. 

At Loma Vista Products, we believe creativity can be a way to connect with the foods we eat and the cultures that shape our region. Whether it’s turning leftover husks into art or teaching kids about the harvest season, these projects carry meaning far beyond the craft table.

Honoring Corn Husk Dolls & Crafting Traditions

At Loma Vista Products, we believe some of the best memories are made when culture, creativity, and family come together. Passing down knowledge to younger generations is a gift that lasts, and corn husk crafts are a fun way to reuse, create, and connect.

From dolls to garlands, every project becomes a reminder that creativity and tradition can bring people closer, especially during the harvest season.

Order our corn husks and make corn husk dolls and festive decorations with your family today!