The dismal harvest has made the arrival of fall in the Northeast, a welcome change from the rainy, summer season. The tomatoes succumbed to tomato blight, but there has been an abundance of tasty sweet corn. If you’ve traded in the flip-flops for wool socks and have been looking to find ways to bring the outside in, then you should consider decorating for the season by making some seasonal cornhusk crafts.

Here’s a bit of corn goodness history: “A gift of the gods” is how the Indians of Mexico regarded corn. This amazing crop has been a staple food for the Mexican culture as well as the crop responsible for 20 percent of the worlds calories from food. European settlers did not know what corn (maize) was until they received gifts of corn from the local Natives. Corn is still revered by the Mexican and American Native peoples. Every part of the corn plant was–and still is–used. The kernels are used for making food such as masa for tamales and tortillas. The corn silk is used for a medicinal tea, the stalks for animal feed and the husks for wrapping foods.

The by-product of all that delectable corn are the husks. Cornhusks, like all vegetables and their natural packaging, can be composted. But before they reach their fate in the compost pile, dry them out and put those babies to good use.

Uses for cornhusks:
– Craft projects: dolls and puppets, hats check foxfire, mats, baskets, napkin rings
– Wrap leftover food
– Use as kindling for starting fires
– Mattress and pillow stuffing
– Tea

Make a Rustic Cornhusk Vase
What you need:
Ruler
Utility knife
Dried cornhusks or tamale wrappers
Double-sided tape
Vase or Votive holders
Ribbon or raffia
Scissors
What to do:
1. For this project the cornhusks need to be dried. On a warm, sunny day, lay the husks outside to dry. It may take a few days to naturally dry cornhusks.
2. Using a ruler and utility knife, cut the widest part of the dried cornhusks to the height of your vase or votive holders.
3. Apply double-sided tape around a votive holder, about 1/4 inch from the bottom. Affix 2 or 3 cornhusks, overlapping the edges, to the holder.
4. Finish by tying with a ribbon.