More Fun For Multicolor Corn

I've really loved the last couple of crafts using the pretty corn kernels, and am still thinking of a use for the millions of kernels I have left. Here are some pictures of other crafts for thought starters.

How about a wreath? I found this blog from Peach and Pearl, with lots of wreaths using natural elements. Something like the nut wreath in corn would look nice.

Or why not make a table top decor item by glueing them to a styrofoam cone (with other embellishments of course)?

Lining the bottom of a glass candle container with kernels instead of pebbles would be pretty, too.

Got any ideas? Please share, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Faux Wooden Bead Necklace-Beginner's Craft (older children)

If you made the napkin rings from the tutorial yesterday, I know you were looking at the beautiful kernels (and letting them slip through your fingers...it's so hard not to play!) wondering how else to display them effectively. How about an earthy yet elegant necklace? My boys did this for their grandmothers a few years ago and Grandmas loved them.

You Will Need:

• Multicolor Corn Kernels
• A Stout Needle
• Thread
• Thimble
• Towel
• Ribbon (optional)

1.) First you will need to soak some kernels over night, like you would dried beans.

2.) Thread the needle, I like to double over the thread for added strength. Then carefully push/pull the needle through the kernels as you would beads. This is where you will need the thimble to help push the needle and the towel to help pull it.

3.) When the strand is "beaded" long enough to be put on over your head, tie off and connect the ends. Of course you can use the jewelry making clasps if you have them...but I don't have them.



4.) Stitch a ribbon at the joint and tie a bow for added flair.

Just look how lovely and natural it is!

Thanksgiving Napkin Rings (Kid Friendly Craft)

Continuing with the Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Crafts Kids Can Make book (could they have picked a longer title?), today we do the multicolor corn napkin rings. I think these are very cute and a great addition to the harvest theme.


You Will Need:

• Multicolored Corn (used for harvest decor)
• Cardboard Tubes- TP tubes or Paper Towel tubes (you will get about 4 rings from a TP tube and 11 from a Paper Towel tube)
• Tacky Glue
• Glitter if Desired
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape
• Small Paint Brushes

• Newspaper and other mess containment items (I found a pizza box works wonderfully!)

1.) Remove the corn from the cob.I find this easy to get started by holding the kernels with one hand around the cob and turning the cob with the other hand... like a twisting or wringing motion.

2.) With the measuring tape mark the tubes at one inch intervals.



3.) Cut the tubes at the one inch marks to make rings.


4.) Paint the tacky glue onto the cardboard rings, and apply the kernels. We did this in sections, but whatever way works best is the way you should do it..

(Be advised that with young children-4 and under- the kernel placement will not be this neat. ;) )

5.) When the outer surface of the ring is covered as much as you can, you either just let it dry or place it in a baggy of glitter and roll/tilt gently to fill in the gaps.

(You may also cut strips of felt and glue them to the inside of the rings if so desired)





After the glue dries you have a lovely Thanksgiving Napkin Ring!

Kids Thanksgiving Craft: Pine Cone Place Cards

Hopefully you have gathered your cones and are ready for an easy kid friendly craft.

I have a copy of the Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Crafts Kids Can Make from '87, and the boys wanted to use the place card craft found in the Thanksgiving Table section. Mine came from a family friend but they also have it at Amazon.















On to the craft...

1.) We took our cones outside, spray painted them, and used spray craft adhesive to add glitter.

2.) While they dried, we went inside and worked on our name cards. I had some pretty cardstock, so we kept it simple and used the fancy-schmancy sisscors  on the edges. The boys wrote the names of family members that are expected for our Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner.

(I'm especially proud of my youngest- he'll be 5 in December- and how well he wrote names)


3.) When you're setting the table, just slip the name card into the pine cones for an Earthy, harvest decoration.

In case you were wondering, THIS is what happens when you combine all this with three boys. LOL



Of course when they are not being used for place cards, the pine cones look great just in a basket.

***Options: You can use letter stickers for the names, and if course you can decorate the card stock anyway you like... beads, glitter, yarn, bric-a-brac, etc



HEADS UP FOR LATER: WE WILL BE USING MULTICOLOR CORN FOR SOME MORE THANKSGIVING PROJECTS