Native Americans used cornhusks to make spiritual messenger dolls. Early settlers in the Colonies painted faces on cornhusk dolls and made them into toys. Today they are used in lots of fall decorating. (but little girls still love to play with them!)

Here's how to make one:

• Save some fine-grained inner cornhusks and store them in a dry place.
• Soak dried husks in warm water to make them easier to handle.
• If you want, dye them with regular fabric dyes (they pick up the color, but slowly).
• For the head, make a ball out of a cornhusk, fold two husks over the ball, and tie off for the neck with cotton string or heavy thread.
• Make arms by rolling husks into a tight tube or braiding three husks together, then put the piece through the middle of the doll.
• Make a dress by folding husks over each shoulder and crossing them at waist level.
• Tie the waist with string and cover with a narrow cornhusk.
• Trim the skirt so she can stand up.
• Glue on corn silk for hair, and make a bonnet out of a husk.