Are you searching for a new Valentine’s Day decoration? Do you like to use natural items? If so, you may want to consider making a heart shaped wreath out of corn husks. Based on my experience, corn husk hearts look nice and are easy to assemble. Here’s how to do it:
Supplies Needed
In order to complete this craft project, you will need dried corn husks, a straw heart form, U-shaped florist’s pins, Rit Dye (cherry red), and red ribbon. You’ll also need dried roses, dried baby’s breath, floral wire, floral tape, and a hot glue gun with glue sticks. A dry cloth, a can of clear acrylic finishing spray and a roasting pan filled with hot water are also required. The size of your wreath will determine how many dried corn husks, roses, and baby’s breath will be needed. I have found that it typically takes 100 to 150 cornhusks to cover a 12 inch wreath.
Prepare the Materials
Once you have all of your supplies, decide how many corn husks you want to dye red. Then set them aside and prepare a dye bath. If you have never done this before, there are typically instructions for doing so posted on the dye box. Once the dye bath is ready, dye the corn husks as directed. You’ll also need to soak the remaining dried corn husks in a roasting pan filled with hot water. The hot water will make the corn husks pliable again so you can form them into the necessary shapes.
You’ll also want to think about stabilizing, preserving, and preparing the dried flowers for use at this time. I generally add a small drop of glue to the base of the rose buds. I find that doing so helps to keep them intact. I also like to insert floral wire into the rose bud’s base and spray all of the flowers with a clear acrylic spray. Afterward, you’ll also need to create a hanging loop and attach it to the top of the straw heart.
Assemble the Cornhusk Heart
When you are ready to create the Valentine’s Day heart, dry the corn husks with the aid of a dry cloth. Next, cut the corn husks into identical, 6 inch long by 2 inch wide strips. Then grab one strip and bend it into a loop shape. Using the U-shaped florist’s pins, affix the corn husk loop to the pointed end of the straw form at an angle. The angle is designed to give the wreath fullness and flow. I tend to use a 45 degree angle and stagger my corn husk loops. However, you can place your corn husk loops onto the straw form any way that you see fit.
As you are working your way around the heart shaped form, be sure to add any dried roses, dried baby’s breath and ribbons as desired. After the entire form has been covered with corn husks and decorated, spray it with clear acrylic. Once the acrylic coating dries, your heart shaped wreath will be ready for use.
Source: Personal Experience
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