During our study of early America, we have enjoyed several Colonial America crafts and Native American crafts for kids.  

One of our favorites was learning how to make corn husk dolls.

Affiliate links have been used in this post for your convenience. See my full disclosure for more details.

Fall is the perfect time of year for making a corn husk doll with the kids, whether it’s for a hands-on learning activity or as a fun kids fall craft.

If you search online you will be amazed by some of the beautiful corn husk dolls people have created.   This version is super simple and perfect for kids.

If you are studying early American history, you may also want to check out how to make homemade quills and create your own tin can lanterns.

Corn Husk Dolls

Materials Needed:

• Corn Husks 
• Twine
• Paper Towels
• Scrap Fabric (Optional)
• Permanent Markers or Acrylic Paint (Optional)

For each doll you will need 5 corn husks, a couple more if you want to make a fuller skirt for a girl doll.  

We got our corn husks from the corn we picked this year in our garden.  You can also purchase corn husks specifically for crafting at a local craft store or find them online.

How to Make a Corn Husk Doll

Start by soaking the corn husks in a bowl of water for 10 minutes to soften them.

Once the corn husks are softened, use paper towels to blot the excess water from your corn husks.

Stack 4 corn husks on top of each other, with the pointy ends at the top.

Tie a small piece of twine around the bundle, 1 inch from the top.

Now take the loose ends of the corn husks and flip them inside out around the tied end, so that 2 corn husks go on each side.  (See the middle picture below.)   This will form the head of your corn leaf doll.  

Use a bit of twine to tie the folded corn husks right below the bundled up portion to form the head.

Take your 5th corn husk and trim off both ends.  Roll it tightly lengthwise and tie a small piece of twin at each end to hold it closed and form the dolls hands.

Open up the layered corn husks and slide this rolled up corn husk between them so there are 2 corn husks on top and 2 on bottom.  This will become the doll’s arms.

Tie a piece of twine tightly right under the doll’s arms.

If you want a girl doll, at this point you can be done.  Or, for a fuller skirt, trim the ends of 2 more corn husks and tie them around the doll’s waist.

For a boy doll, separate the skirts into 2 equal sections and use twine to tie at the knees and ankles.

Corn Husk Dolls History

Native Americans made sure no part of the corn plant went to waste.  Once the corn was picked and eaten, the husks could be braided to form rope and twine.  They could also be used to fill pillows and matresses.  

These simple dolls made with corn husks were also made by the early Americans. 

During Colonial America times the dolls would usually be left plain. 

This is especially true when Native Americans made these dolls from corn husks. 

There are a number of legends explaining why the dolls would be left without a face.  You may want to read the Legend of the No Face Doll with your child. 

My kids chose to use permanent markers to give their dolls faces and glued corn silk on as hair.  If desired, your child could create a face with markers or paint as well.

They also fashioned some clothes out of felt scraps, tying it around the dolls with a bit of twine.

Whether or not your child decorates their doll, learning how to make corn husk dolls is a fun Colonial America craft for kids that helps make history come alive.

More Early America Activities to Try:

• Build a Model of a Wigwam
• Make Invisible Ink (Like Spies from the Revolutionary War)

More fun Kids Fall Crafts:

• The Ultimate Apple Crafts & Activities 
• 20 Leaf Crafts & Activities with Real Leaves 

Originally published Sept. 15, 2017.

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We have been working on American history as we learn about the 50 states.  

We spent several weeks talking about Jamestown and then we studied the Pilgrims and Plymouth Colony.  Along the way we’ve had fun with several Native American crafts for kids.

This simple wigwam craft is one that is perfect if you’re studying early American history.  

Affiliate links have been used below.  See my full disclosure policy here. 

This wigwam model would be a fun addition to a Native American unit study.   Research how to make a wigwam with your child or students, and then create your own mini version.  

If you are studying Native Americans and early settlers, you may also want to try making your own corn husk dolls.

You could also use this wigwam project as a Thanksgiving craft for kids.  Add a few figures and they’ll have hours of fun playing with their creation.

Wigwam Craft

Materials Needed:

• Thin Cardboard (We used cereal boxes.)
• Brown Construction Paper
• Liquid Craft Glue
• Paintbrush
• Stapler
• Shallow Dish

Start by getting your materials ready.

Instead of using a wooden frame, like a real wigwam, this miniature version uses thin cardboard.

Cut 3 cardboard strips that are 1 x 11 inches (2.5 cm x 28 cm).  Cut another strip that is 1 x 16 inches (2.5 x 41 cm).   (We actually stapled 2 smaller strips together to make ours because our box wasn’t big enough.)

Form the longest cardboard strip into a circle and staple together.  This will be the wigwam’s base.

Next, staple the 3 shorter strips to the cardboard circle to form a dome.  (As shown in picture below.)

In place of the birchbark or woven mats that would be used you will be using brown construction paper.

Have your child rip the brown construction paper into 1 inch thick strips and then tear the strips to form 1 inch “squares.”  They don’t have to be perfect, just approximately the same size.

How to Make a Wigwam out of Paper

Pour glue into a shallow dish and use the paintbrush to glue the construction paper pieces to the cardboard strips.

Allow pieces of paper to overhang the cardboard strips.  Once the cardboard pieces are covered, allow your project to dry some before continuing.

Once it has dried, it is time to fill in those spaces between the cardboard supports.

Glue the construction paper “bark” so it overlaps and begins to fill in those spaces.  You may need to let it dry some as you work, depending on how much glue your child uses.  Continue the process until the whole thing is covered in brown paper.

Allow it to dry.

To make the paper feel more like bark (and to make the structure stronger), use the paintbrush and cover the entire outside of the wigwam with one more layer of glue.  This is the perfect time to patch any remaining holes with a few more squares of paper.

Then allow the whole thing to dry overnight.

Once it is dry, it is time to cut your door and a smoke hole at the top.  

Use the tip of your scissors to slowly and carefully poke a hole at the top.  You can wiggle them and turn your scissor blades to make the hole round.  (This step is best done by a parent.)

We originally created our wigwams to go with our Jamestown unit.  The kids discovered our Playmobil Native Americans were just the right size.  They spent hours reenacting what we had learned about.

This wigwam craft would also be a great Thanksgiving craft.  It pairs nicely with learning about the Mayflower and the Plymouth Colony.  Young kids may also like these Mayflower crafts.  

You may also like:

• Making a Wigwam for School from Sue at Home
• Make Your Own Tin Can Lantern — Colonial America Craft
• Turkey Craft to Increase Fine Motor Skills 
• Go on a Candy Cane Hunt! 

Originally published November 7, 2016. 

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Whether they’re hanging from the trees at an outdoor party, or they are displayed on tables at a wedding, lantern light brings a new dimension to the atmosphere.

Kids can capture a bit of that magic with this simple recycled craft:  Tin Can Lanterns.

This year we started learning about the 50 states while going through American history.  We started with a brief look at early explorers and then had a lot of fun studying Jamestown, making this wigwam craft as part of the unit.

As we moved on to the Mayflower and Plymouth Colony, we talked about what kinds of skilled workers you would want in a new colony.

A community’s blacksmith would make a variety of  tools as well as things needed for colonial homes, including lanterns.  The kids were excited to make their own version with this tin can lantern craft for kids.

Affiliate links have been used in the post below; see my full disclosure here. 

Kids Craft:  Tin Can Lanterns

Materials Needed:

• Empty Cans (We used soup cans and one from canned vegetables.)
• Hammer
• Nail
• Pipe Cleaners (or piece of wire)
• Tea Light Candle

Start by removing the wrapper from your cans and thoroughly cleaning them.

Simple shapes and patterns work best on kid-made lanterns.  Think flowers, stars, hearts, etc.

If you want, you can use a permanent marker to draw the shape on your tin can ahead of time.  (Just use a bit of hand sanitizer to remove the marks later.) Or, you can freehand your pattern, which is what we did.

Fill your can with water, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top and place it in the freezer overnight.  (The frozen water will help you make your pattern without denting the can.)

Once the water is frozen solid, use a nail and gently hammer it against the can to create your pattern.

Placing a kitchen towel under the can will help keep it from rolling.  It’s also handy for warming up fingers that get cold from working with that cold metal!

For projects with the kids, I love our new stubby ball pein hammer.   It is perfect for little hands, and I like that it doesn’t have that claw end most hammers have.  (Watching my son swing that by his face made me nervous.)

After you have finished your design, use the hammer and nail to make 2 holes at the top of the tin can lantern, one on each side, to thread your handle through.

I have seen lanterns that use pieces from wire hangers, and for older children you may choose to do this.  Mine wanted to use colorful pipe cleaners, which were super easy for them to put on the lanterns by themselves.

Once the ice has melted and been removed from the lantern, it is time to light it.  Tea light candles work best for these small cans.

For real candles, drip a bit of wax at the bottom of the can, or use some clay, to help hold your candle in place.  (And remember: never leave burning candles unattended.)  We chose to use battery tea lights in ours.    

Keep in mind, the inside of the can will have sharp spots now because of the holes you created with the nail and hammer.  To avoid cuts, children should not reach into the can lanterns.  Instead, you can tip the can sideways to remove battery lights.

We made our tin can lanterns as part of our colonial America unit.

They would also be lovely at Christmas time with snowflake designs or snowmen on them.

No matter what you make them for, I suggest a bit of snuggling under the blankets by the magical glow of the flickering light and just soaking in a few minutes with your kids once this kids craft is done.

You may also like:

• How to Make Tin Can Stilts
• DIY Tin Can Lanterns with a Valentine’s Day Twist on Red Ted Art
• Make Your Own Tin Can Stove
• Colonial America Craft — Make a Wigwam 

Originally published November 19, 2016.

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Kids of all ages love to pretend play.  That’s why play kitchens, plastic tool sets, and cardboard box castles are always big hits with little ones.

For older kids who are into pretending to be spies, here are a few simple kids spy activities to take that play beyond just hiding behind that living room chair.

Lots of kids enjoy playing spies.  Reading about George Washington’s spy ring while we studied the Revolutionary War kicked our interest into high gear.  We couldn’t wait to try out a few secret spy activities of our own.

Simple Secret Code Activity

George Washington’s spies wrote their messages in secret code to keep the British from knowing their plans.  (They would have used a homemade quill, which you can also try.)

Your kids can have fun sending messages in their own secret codes.  To create your own code, write the letters of the alphabet down a piece of paper.  Then pick a letter to start at.  Write the number 1 next to that letter and continue numbering the letters 1-26.   Make 2 copies of your new code, being careful that they are numbered the same.

The numbers will represent the letters of the alphabet.  Use the numbers to write your own secret message, separating each number with a comma to make it easier to decode.  Leave plenty of space between words.

Give your message to a friend.   They will need the second copy of the code in order to decipher the secret message.

Once your kids have the hang of writing messages in code they can try writing them in invisible ink.  (We were surprised to discover that invisible ink was actually used by Washington’s spies during the Revolutionary War.)

DIY Invisible Ink

Materials Needed:

• Cotton Swab/Paintbrush
• White Paper
• Candle and Lemon Juice or Milk
• Baking Soda and Grape Juice

There are lots of ways to make your own invisible ink at home.

My favorite way to make invisible ink is with lemon juice.  Simply pour a little lemon juice into a small bowl.  Dip a cotton swab into the liquid and write your message on plain white paper.   (As an alternative you can also use milk.)

Let the paper dry completely, approximately 1 hour.

To make the message reappear, carefully hold it over the flame of a lit candle.  Be sure to keep it several inches away from the flame to keep the paper from catching on fire or scorching.  We found that slowly moving the paper in small circles worked best.

You can also try putting the paper in a 350 degree oven for 2-3 minutes.   Keep an eye on the paper so it doesn’t catch fire!  This may be best if working with young children.

The easiest way for younger children is to make invisible ink with baking soda and water.  Simply mix baking soda and water to make a paste.  You don’t want it too thick or your message will be very noticeable as you write it.

Use a cotton swab to write your message on white paper.

Let the paper dry completely.

There are 2 ways to read this invisible ink.  The safest and easiest way for young kids involves grape juice.

Have your child use a paint brush to lightly brush grape juice over the page.  The letters (or in my son’s case — picture) will appear darker than the rest of the page.

The other way to make the message appear is the same way that works for the lemon juice ink.

Holding our secret messages above the candle’s flame and watching the invisible ink appear helped bring a big of history to life.  It was fun to imagine being part of George Washington’s secret spy ring.

These simple kids spy activities are perfect for pretend play or as part of a Revolutionary War unit.  

You’ll also like these posts:

• Using Pretend Play to Teach Money Skills
• Colonial America Craft: Make a Tin Can Lantern 
• Make a Corn Husk Doll

The post Kids Spy Activities: Invisible Ink & Secret Code first appeared on There's Just One Mommy.

Reading history books can be fun.  But kids are more likely to be engaged and remember what they’ve learned when you bring history to life.  One way to do that is with crafts and activities from the time period you are studying.

This year we’ve been working on the history of Colonial America.  To bring our studies to life we’ve had fun creating tin can lanterns, making (root) beer and corn husk dolls.  After reading about the Declaration of Independence we made quills and learned how to make homemade ink.

You can use your quill from this activity with the invisible ink from this activity about spies and secret codes. 

How to Make Homemade Ink and a Quill

Materials Needed:

• Large Feather
• Scissors
• Straight Edge Razor Blade
• 1/2 Cup of Berries
• Strong Colander or Strainer
• Large Bowl
• Metal Soup Ladle
• Small Glass Jar

Making a Quill

Making a homemade quill for this kids activity is very simple.  You will need a large feather.  We used turkey feathers we found on a walk, but you can also buy them at a local craft store or find large feathers on Amazon(affiliate link).

Use scissors to remove 1 1/2 inches of the feathers from the tip area.   This will make a clear spot along the feather’s shaft for fingers to fit comfortably.

Using a straight edge razor blade, cut the very tip of the feather at a 45 degree angle.  (You can also try a very sharp knife, but we found cutting with scissors crushed our shaft and left a very crooked tip.)

Making Homemade Ink

We used blueberries to make our ink.  You could also try blackberries or another type of berry.  Start by using a handful of berries.  You can add more later if needed.

Set a colander on top of a pot or large bowl.  Using the back of a soup ladle, squish the berries in the colander.  You will need to use the ladle to guide and push the juice through the holes.    The berry juice will become your ink.   

If you have a sturdy strainer, you could use it instead of the colander.  It would certainly be easier to get the juice into the bowl.  (I discovered my strainer had mysteriously been broken.)

Once you have enough ink, poor it into a small jar.  Baby food jars are perfect for an inkwell.

Your child will have fun dipping the quill into the ink to write or draw.  

They will soon discover they need to dip quite often.  My son made me laugh when he said, “Poor Thomas Jefferson sure had to work hard to write the Declaration of Independence like this.”

We used our ink the same day we made it.  However, I’ve read that to preserve it  you can add 1/2 teaspoon vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon salt, mixing it well before use.

Making a quill and learning how to make homemade ink is a simple Colonial America kids activity and a fun way to bring history alive.  

You may also enjoy:

• How to Make a Tin Can Lantern
• Make a Boat that Floats — simple STEM activity 
• Awesome Camp Crafts
• 15 Fun Ways to Practice Math Facts

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