Threads 30: The joys of sweet corn in July and August

Using the corn husk leaves

A braided container for keeping salt.

I found this container at the Six Nations reserve near Branford, Ontario in the 1970s.

The corn leaves have been braided (or plaited) into a long three strand braid using a strong thread like raffia. The braid has then been coiled into a round base of about 41/2" diameter, and then immediately coiled up the sides to form the walls for about 3". At this point start to coil in to make the narrow neck, which should measure about 1 1/2 " across.The whole container is 6" high. The stopper is a small piece of dried corn, and is held in place by a straight pin.

This little container would hold salt and keep it soft and dry during humid and wet weather. A very clever design.

Corn husks like these can also be used for mini coiling projects, such as mats and small baskets.

In Ontario, the best supper is to have shopped at a road side stall and have picked up a few pieces of fresh corn. This is not only a delicious meal, but also you can dry the leaves and save them for basketry projects.

Ideally, the larger the husks the longer and better are the leaves. I also believe the corn grown by farmers for cattle or ethanol has even better and longer leaves.

The great thing is to remember to dry them in the sun or a dry area, and have them ready for your projects.

A little dancing girl. 7 " high

This is a fun project for children. All you need is a bunch of dried leaves and a pair of scissors and a piece of string.

Take a bunch of leaves, tie tightly about 1" from the thick end and then turn down the leaves to form a head. Tie tightly around the neck.

To make the arms, take a few leaves and braid them into a little strand 6 - 7inch long. Place the strand inside the leaves and tie the hands tightly together in the front. Take a couple of leaves and fold them over the shoulders to make dress and then tie these together with the bundle around the waist.

Now take some of the leaves and pull them out side-ways to make a skirt. Tie the remainder inside so that the doll has some legs. Use a pair of scissors to point the skirt leaves and to even off the legs.