TAMALE KIDS

Created by Ms. Dolores

Materials needed:
  • 12 dried cornhusks *
  • Paper towels
  • Yarn or rubber bands (tan or brown)
  • Scissors
  • Cornsilk or yarn for hair
  • White glue (optional)

* Available in craft stores and Mexican groceries.

Tamale Kids craft photo

 

Directions:

1. Soak the dried cornhusks in water for about an hour to soften them.  Pat them dry with paper towels.

2.  Pile about 8 - 9 husks.  Tie yarn or wrap a rubber band tightly around 1 end of the pile, about 1 inch from the end.

Tamale Kids Step 1

3.  Separate the husks by holding 4 husks in each hand, and then pull the long ends apart and back over the yarn or rubber band.  

Tamale Kids Step 2

4.  Wrap yarn or rubber band around the ball this forms the head.

Tamale Kids Step 3

5. Wrap 2 - 3 husks together and tightly tie at the ends. Slide through body under neck. This forms the arms.

Tamale Kids Step 4

6. Wrap and tie yarn or rubber band in a crisscross pattern across the doll's chest and under the arms.  This holds the arms in place.  Using scissors trim the bottom of the skirt evenly.  Or, you can make legs by cutting 1 to 2 inches into the middle of the cornhust skirt as shown.  Then wrap each leg at the ankle, and trim evenly.

Tamale Kids Step 5

If you would like to add hair, let the doll dry completely, you can glue some yarn or cornsilk at the top of the doll's head.

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Last update April 15, 2006
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