Corn Husk Dolls at Fiber Artist Meeting
Sat Sep 24, 10:00 AM - Sat Sep 24, 12:00 PM

The Space Coast Weavers & Fiber Artists will meet at 10 am on Saturday , Sept 24, at the Merritt Island Public Library, 1950 N. Courtenay Parkway.  Sherry Randolph will present a program on Corn Husk Dolls and help attendees create one just in time for fall.  They make great Autumn  and Thanksgiving decorations. 
 
You may think of the dolls as a pioneer craft but they began with Native Americans. Corn was their main crop and they used every part of the plant:the grain, stalks and husks.  The husks were woven into mats, baskets and of course dolls. By weaving and braiding corn husks, the natives would construct doll-like figures for children. When finished, they would be decorated with corn husk or fabric clothing. Horsehair could be used as the doll’s hair, and sometimes flowers or beads decorated the doll.  Although they were considered a children’s toy , they also played a part in healing ceremonies . Many stories and legends were told about the dolls.  

Sherry is a fiber enthusiast and graphic artist who has been a member of SCWFA for many years.  Her background is in printmaking, but she developed an interest in non-traditional weaving in college and has woven with produce bags and even used a bicycle wheel as a loom.    
 
Students should bring scissors, glue, a small towel and scraps of fabric and yarn.  There is a $1 fee for the cornhusks and other materials provided. 

Since 1983 SCW&FA has been Brevard’s go to guild for fiber arts: spinning, weaving, basketry, rug hooking,and more.  The guild helps fiber artists, beginning or advanced, learn through workshops and the informal exchange of ideas.  They also work to educate the public about the fiber arts. Meetings are free and open to the public.. For more information call Jeanie McCormack at 321-266-1610…