Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Shabby Corn Shuck Lady Tutorial


I have another really, really simple project for you--
that's perfect for fall--or the Holidays. . . .

I designed and crafted these Corn Shuck Ladies years ago. 
In fact, I sold them through Country Sampler magazine 
and in the Apple Gap Country Store catalog, as well as at craft shows. 
They're timeless--always a hit--
and can be crafted in any style to compliment your decor--
shabby, country, primitive, fall, winter, spring, summer.

For this tutorial, I chose a Shabby Angel theme. . . .






So, let's get busy. . . .
This is a simpler version than the ones I originally designed, but it will give you the same results. . . .
You'll need corn shucks, a 12" styrofoam cone, and floral pins (&/or hot glue for styrofoam).
Cut approximately 1 inch off the top of the cone.
Gather several dry corn husks together and pin the entire bundle with a floral pin to the cone.
I used corn shucks that John saved for me from the garden. 
I like mine to curl up--but you can use the flat ones, too.
Go all the way around the cone. . . .Trim the shucks at the top.
Tie a string around the shucks tightly--as added support.
If you want your lady to have a very full "skirt", add another layer of shucks.
Now, criss-cross opened shucks across the top of the cone, anchoring with more floral pins. Be sure to use a pin on top of the head so the shucks don't shift.
Make up two bundles for the arms. . . .tie in the middle with string. . . .then fold one end under and tie with string to form the hand. . . .trim the opposite end.
Place the arms on the lady and anchor with floral pins or glue.
Your Corn Shuck Lady is ready to dress. . . .
Yes, I know she doesn't look too pretty at this point.
Trust me--she'll turn out beautiful. . . .
The fun part for me is dressing her. . . .
Choose from fabrics, doilies, vintage embroidered pieces--anything you like. . . .
I picked up three cotton doilies last weekend for 10 cents that were perfect.
Two measured 9 x 12--a good size--since I didn't sew up the sides.
Sleeves were cut from the third piece, measuring the length needed according to the length of the arm.
Lay the pieces side-by-side on a flat surface--long piece, sleeve piece, long piece, sleeve piece.
Run a thread (I used cotton crochet thread) along the top. . . .
place on the lady and gather at the neck. . . .tie off. 
Note; If you want a fuller dress (like the one at the end of this tutorial),
the total neck width should be 30-35 inches, and you will need an
additional row of shucks to hold the dress out at the bottom.
Gather the sleeves at the wrist with heavy thread,
being careful to  push the arm strings out of sight. . . .tie off.
Start layering, adding more doilies, ribbon, beads--let your imagination  direct you. . . .
 For my Shabby Angel, I used a vintage doily for her shawl & a piece of burlap between the dress and shawl. . . . hymnal sheet music for wings. . . .a hat with satin roses, a lace & twine bow, and moss that I touched up with antique white paint. . . .pearls, more twine, & a glass angel hang from her neck. . . .she carries her favorite hymn in one hand and a basket of paper roses in the other. . . .
Isn't she sweet?

Want more of a country theme?
 Here's a Peddler Lady I made for my Mom many years ago--
very country looking with calicoes and dried flowers.
She still looks good after all these years. . . . 
I'm thinking I may make a few more this week,
to give as Christmas gifts. . . .
Shabby Angels--but this time, I may add little bells around their necks--
because--as we all know--
"Every time a bell rings, an Angel gets her wings. . .  ."
I'll try to help them along. . . .

Happy Crafting!!!!!!
Til next time. . . .

Sharing with these link parties: * Homestead Barn Hop * Old Time Party * Mop It UP Monday * Show & Tell Friday*Potpourri Friday * Home Sweet Home* Feathered Nest Friday * Simple & Sweet Friday * Vintage Inspiration Friday

24 comments:

Chenille Cottage said...

Oh...How festive and so perfect for the Fall! Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. She is as cute as can be!
Warm Autumn wishes,
Carolynn

Anne said...

Carolynn,
That is so beautiful and festive too!
xx
Anne

Old Time Cindy said...

I like both of your ladies. Different, but both good for a farmhouse. I see you are keeping busy with crafting until you can work on that floor. :)

Sam I Am...... said...

You are SO talented! I'm sorry I haven't been by...once the weather cooled off I was outside doing projects in the small window before Winter! Then there was and is some family drama/problems going on too, unfortunately that has taken much of my time. I haven't forgotten about your seeds though. Some things just stopped blooming in all that heat and now they're coming back.
That is the cutest darn angel ever! Come Winter I may try and make some so thank you for sharing that tutorial. You're famous! I've never known anyone featured in magazines and Country Sampler! I really have no talent like that but I sure do admire it! Isn't the weather just divine lately? It almost makes up for that killer heat this past Summer....but not quite! LOL! I hope you are doing well and I sure missed my blogging friends especially you who is practically a neighbor! TTYS.. I'll be back to catch up on older posts...I wouldn't want to miss anything!

Junkchiccottage said...

Your little ladies are adorable. So cute. These will make wonderful Christmas gifts.
Kris

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

What wonderful little ladies. Reminds me of the old apple dolls. What fun to dress them up. Thanks for the tutorial..Happy Wednesday..Judy

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Thank you for the tutorial. Your doll looks so elegant!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Oh my goodness....this is so sweet...I just love it! I love the tute....although, I don't know if I could find everything I need to do it...but you are correct...they are adorable. You know, you could get carried away with this...a Valentine one, an Easter one...Harvest, Christmas, Patriotic..etc, etc.....

Honey at 2805 said...

Beautiful inspiration! Thank you fro sharing your project at Potpourri Friday!

Vintage Paint and more... said...

These little ladies are so cute - I love them - found you on Feathered Nest Friday.....

Laurel Leaf Cottage said...

Those are so darling!! I really love the country girl one..hmmm...I think I need to make one with a little red dress!! I'll add it to my list of projects!! Thanks for the inspiration! ~Deanna

Heirloom treasures said...

Oh I am in love with these little Angels. I can't wait to try. Thank you for sharing. I am visiting from My Romantic Home. I am now following x

ShabbyMagia..... said...

Bellissimo il tuo angelo.....molto shabby!!!!!
Ciao
Monica

Debra@CommonGround said...

She's a sweetie, love how you've used old linens as her dress! thanks for the "how-to"!

Shabby chic Sandy said...

So pretty--thanks for sharing your how to's!

Shell said...

This is really nice. A way to do bring a romantic touch to Autumn.

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Thanks for sharing this inspirational post on Simple & Sweet Fridays. Love the little ladies!

Jody

The Charm of Home said...

Love this! Thank you for sharing it at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

Honey at 2805 said...

Hi! You are featured this week at Potpourri Friday!

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

Your corn shuck angel is adorable. I came over from Honey at 2805 where she feature you. I was surprised because I thought I was following you. Must be because I see you on Barn Charm and you comment on my blog. Anyway, I am following you now!

Kathy Shea Mormino, The Chicken Chick said...

These are beautiful! Hello, new follower here! I would love to have you link up with my Clever Chicks Blog Hop this week!
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/09/clever-chicks-blog-hop-2-featured-post.html
I hope to see you there!
Cheers!
Kathy
The Chicken Chick

Anonymous said...

SO sweet, they are lovely!

Little Susie Home Maker said...

These little corn husk ladies are so pretty! Lovely how you fixed them up and a wonderful tutorial! Thank you,
so much.
Blessings,
Susie

shannon i olson said...

She is cute as can be!

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