Poppet Supplies - Corn Husk Doll Kit

Considering your next move, you join other kitchen workers in a brief break outside. Indoors, the overheated ballroom and kitchen are frenetic and noisy. Out here, you breathe the cooler air. You close one eye; then try the other. You see through the veneer of this place, with its banks of candles and feverish music. Heeding the warning you received, you look for a substitute. You can’t imagine tricking another kitchen worker into taking your place. You find a few pieces of cornhusk in a bin and craft a poppet. You quicken it with a green ribbon, creating a veneer that soothes the Strange Ones and disarms their suspicions. You carry the poppet into the ballroom and place its hand into that of a dancer. You have created a likeness.

Your kit will make 2-5 dolls, depending on how large or small you make them.  It includes corn husks, twine, kraft twist ties, green velvet ribbon, and an instruction sheet.

Making Your Poppet:

• Soak cornhusks in warm water for 10 minutes, then pat dry. Feel free to trim away uneven edges as you work.
• Use a twist tie or twine to tie two husks together with the veins going vertically.

• Roll a strip of husk into a ball. Fold the tied husks over the ball and secure to create the poppet’s head.

• Roll a piece of husk into a tube and tie both ends to make the arms.

• Insert the arms beneath the head and tie underneath, making the waist.

• If you’d like, add a strip of husk to represent hair or a shawl.

• Finish your poppet with the provided ribbon.

• You can also complement your poppet with dried flowers and charms. Or, incorporate special knots into your process.

Poppet Supplies was featured in the Toadstools Box (September 2023).