Native Corn Necklaces

Each Autumn we enjoy placing decorative native corn throughout our home as a way to celebrate and honor the season.   Corn was unknown to the Europeans before they met the Native Americans. The Natives gave them the seeds and taught them how to grow it. Today in the U.S.A., more farm land is used to grow corn (60 million acres) than any other grain.

This year we decided to use the corn for more than just decoration.  I was browsing Garden Mama's Blog the other day and saw that her family made necklaces out of the corn.  My kids thought this would be a great idea, so we got to work.

Sienna and I enjoyed a sun filled day by laying out a blanket and popping off the kernels from the cobs.  It ended up being a very relaxing activity and led to many fun discussions with my 3 year old. 

Next, we soaked the kernels over night in some warm water. 

The next evening, before bed, the girls and I gathered around and started stringing the kernels using a needle and thread to make necklaces.  I imagined native women doing this very thing many years ago while talking and laughing and it really connected me to the past. 

Magnolia decided this was something she wanted to do for her friends.  We sat around for an hour making necklaces, talking, and enjoying some great girl time!

Native Corn Necklaces