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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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September 19, 2011

Corn Husks…they’re not just for Tamales!

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love tamales!
And when you go to the grocery store and ask to be pointed in the direction of the corn husks, that is exactly what the clerks assume you will be making with them.
(Don’t go to 4 different craft stores looking for them!
Learn from my wasted time and “duh” moment!) 
“Oh, are you making tamales?”
“Nope. I’m making a wreath!”
Silence….blank stare…more silence…
“That will be $3 please.”
I will happily put up with those blank stares though, because I am here to show you:
3 ways to use $3 worth of Corn Husks!
1. Make a Corn Husk Wreath
On Saturday, we showed you two of our Harvest projects and I shared with you that I, after years of saying that I would NEVER make a wreath,
finally caved to the crafting pressure and tackled this Martha Stewart creation.
Source

Other than the fact that I thought it was so beautiful in its simplicity, I’m pretty sure I was also drawn to it when I saw that the instructions were about as basic as they come.
You may recall that I am a bit Craft Challenged!

Here is all you need to get started:
1 bag of Corn Husks (look in either Mexican food aisle or produce section of grocery store)
1 Straw Wreath (I used the smaller size)
2 packages Greening Pins

Soak your corn husks in a large bowl of water for 10 minutes so that they will become pliable.

Tear them into 2 inch strips. Fold them in half and starting on the inside of the wreath and working your way towards the outside, pin them in rows of 4 or 5 across, covering the pins with the next row of husks.

Choose your ribbon and that is all there is to it.
If I can do this, believe me, YOU can do this!

I still had quite a few Corn Husks left and I knew I wanted to carry the
Harvest theme throughout the house.
2. Place in an urn for a simple, yet elegant arrangement.
By tucking some of the remaining husks into this urn, it became the perfect finishing touch for my mantel!

Here is a peek, just a peek mind you, at how it is all coming together.
Would you believe that I still had some corn husks left over after that?
3. Use the Husks in the layering of a Centerpiece.
I’ve had this little clustered arrangement of faux wheat for awhile and knew I wanted to do something different with it this year. My last space to tackle was my dining room table.
I plunked this down inside one of my favorite pots.

Then, using the leftover husks, I layered them around the perimeter.
I followed that up by tucking in pinecones and faux pumpkins, gourds, acorns, etc.

I think it adds just the right Harvest touch to my Dining Room table.
That $3 bag of Corn Husks went a long way!
Maybe next year I’ll actually make some Tamales with them!

Thanks for joining me at the Fence today,

This post is partying here:

48 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Crafts, Decorating, Good Ideas, Wreaths Tagged With: fall, fall crafts, fall Decorating, wreath

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Previous Post: « A Harvest of Ideas and a Feature!
Next Post: Knockin off the OG…Olive Garden that is! »

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Comments

  1. Sherry@Back2Vintage says

    September 19, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    It doesn’t look like you’re craft challenged to me. The wreath looks great and you make it sound so easy. Thanks for the tutorial! I’ll have to try this one, too!!!

    Reply
  2. Maury says

    September 19, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    This is gorgeous! I love it. I’m definitely going to try it.

    Reply
  3. .Amelia.Bedelia. says

    September 19, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    I adore the wreath, it’s so natural yet beautiful!
    -Amy

    amy-showalter.blogspot.com

    Reply
  4. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    September 19, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    I love it! It is so simple and pretty! My kind of wreath for sure!

    Reply
  5. Robin says

    September 19, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    Great idea’s. I’ll have to give them a try. I just love the texture they give.

    Reply
  6. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    September 19, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    I love your corn husk wreath!It looks so beautiful against your black door!

    Reply
  7. Liz says

    September 19, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    Such a fabulous, low cost idea that adds a lot impact to fall displays. I am so going to buy some when I go to the store tomorrow. I love the texture it adds, just beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing! XO ~Liz

    Reply
  8. Ginger Zuck says

    September 19, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    I love these. Love the wreath on the mirror. Very cute. You are so creative with these corn husk, who would have thought? My hat is off to you!

    Reply
  9. Tanya@takesix says

    September 19, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    What a great idea. Your projects look wonderful, and oh so fallish! I love them!

    Reply
  10. Vivienne @ the V Spot says

    September 19, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    This is gorgeous! I want one too!

    Reply
  11. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    September 19, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Vanessa,thank you soooo much for your lovely compliments on my fall decor!! You truly helped to make my day! That was so sweet of you! I love the wreath that you have posted today; and I am following you right back! Thanks for sharing! Be blessed!

    Reply
  12. Karen says

    September 19, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Loving the new “fall item” you’ve introduced us to! I’ve got my own idea whirling around for a wreath using these. Headed to the grocery store tomorrow!

    Reply
  13. NanaDiana says

    September 19, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Really, really cute, Vanessa! I would have gone to the craft store to buy them too! Great idea about the grocers! You did a wonderful job for being a “non wreath making” kinda gal! xo Diana

    Reply
  14. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    September 19, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    Not sure what happened…I left a comment earlier and it is gone…oh well, I probably did something wrong. Hey, wanted to tell you that I made a cornhusk wreath too…a little different than yours. I will post mine later with a tutorial. I thought it was fun! Yours is beautiful…especially against your black door. REALLY pretty!

    Reply
  15. Kristin says

    September 19, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    Super cute ideas, Vanessa!
    FAll…Love it!
    XO

    Reply
  16. Marla and Steve @ Always Nesting says

    September 19, 2011 at 10:32 PM

    You had me at Tamales!! Love that wreath and all the husks used throughout your fall decor. Great idea! My mother is Mexican and now I can almost taste those Texas tamales!! It’s coming up on the Christmas season soon and that’s traditionally when tamales are most often made and served.

    Reply
  17. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜@ Debbiedoos blogging and blabbing says

    September 19, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    WHAT? That is the cutest darn thing Vanessa. They look gorgeous. Great tip and wonderful idea.

    Reply
  18. Judy says

    September 19, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    You’re amazing. That’s a whole lot of crafting out of those tamales. I’m super impressed.

    Reply
  19. The DIY Show Off says

    September 19, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    So pretty, Vanessa! I’ve never even had one but the tamale decor is beautiful (so creative)!

    Roeshel

    Reply
  20. Debbie says

    September 19, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    Hot Tamale!

    I couldn’t resist. That’s what we used to say back in the ’70s when something was really wonderful. (OK… I admit it that it was usually a boy who was really wonderful, but it still works here.)

    I can’t believe you got all that for three bucks. I want to try the wreath when I finish the other 4000 projects I seem to have taken on at the same time.

    Reply
  21. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    September 20, 2011 at 1:25 AM

    I guess I have never has tamales because I sure didn’t know you could buy corn husks in a package like that. Love that wreath because it is simple yet pretty.

    Reply
  22. https://findingsecrettreasures.blogspot.com says

    September 20, 2011 at 3:04 AM

    Beautiful! I love your Basket, the corn husks worked wonderfully!

    Reply
  23. refresh restyle says

    September 20, 2011 at 3:33 AM

    What a great wreath! Love the other uses for the corn husk too. Love it all!
    Debbie

    Reply
  24. Little Moos and My Creative Pink. says

    September 20, 2011 at 3:45 AM

    That is such a pretty wreath and I would never have guest they were make with good ole tamale wraps!!! I also love the other uses for them and $3.00 is so manageable!!

    Reply
  25. western serials says

    September 20, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    I am new to your site and still have to catch up on all of your blogs. Since I started reading the other week what you are doing is fantastic.

    Reply
  26. Becca says

    September 20, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    GIRL … you are officially the corn husk queen !! I absolutely LOVE what you did with them. The wreath is gorgeous … simple, yet elegant … and tucking and tying pieces here and there truly creates beautiful harvest touches! They are probably going to run out of corn husks everywhere now because of the wreaths and fillers soon to appear in blogland because of your inspiring self, and people all over the world who actually want to buy them to make tamales are going to be a bit miffed! LOL. Thanks for sharing … can’t wait to try this! xoxo

    Reply
  27. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    September 20, 2011 at 4:45 AM

    Fantastic! What a great wreath!!! I love how it turned out! 🙂

    Reply
  28. Kelly says

    September 20, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    What a great idea. I really like the simplicity of that corn husk wreath. The nice thing is that you can leave it plain or dress it up. I bet you could even dye the corn husks before putting them on the wreath for a completely different look. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  29. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    September 20, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    Great job Vanessa!! Love the wreath and I love that centerpiece!! Seeing all these corn husk craft projects is making me crave Tamales now LOL!!! Martina

    Reply
  30. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

    September 21, 2011 at 1:19 AM

    You are soooo crafty! I would never have known they were in the grocery store. Love this project and can’t wait to make my own. Thanks for linking up to my Monday Linky party. You are so sweetly supportive! Love, Me http://www.youaretalkingtoomuch.com

    Reply
  31. Cindy says

    September 21, 2011 at 4:37 AM

    Hi Vanessa,
    Your corn husk wreathe is gorgeous!!! It makes me want to make one, not sure if we can find those in Canada, but I will look. That would be the perfect thing for my door.
    Your other ideas are great too!
    So glad you gals found my blog so that I could visit you back.
    Hugs, Cindy

    Reply
  32. Sue says

    September 22, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    Love all of your fall decor! Thanks for hosting the party:) Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  33. CAS says

    September 23, 2011 at 3:06 AM

    You did a great job on the wreath, Vanessa. I made one of those about 25 years ago and was able to use it over and over for about 10 years before it started to fall apart. So just wrap it up carefully after the season & you will reap the benefits of your endeavor for several years to come.
    🙂 CAS

    Reply
  34. Rachael says

    September 23, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    Great ideas! I’ve been wanting an inexpensive and cute wreath. Good idea thanks for sharing – RM

    Reply
  35. Amy says

    September 23, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Wow! So beautiful and so simple…I like seeing what you did with all your leftovers too! 🙂 Next time, you can make a wreath AND your dinner for 3 bucks…haha. I’d love for you to link this up at my Fall Door Decor Challenge:

    https://oneartmama.blogspot.com/2011/09/falling-for-crafts-challenge-3-door.html

    Reply
  36. Suzy says

    September 24, 2011 at 3:55 AM

    I wish I had seen this a week ago when I spent two days going to every craft place I could think of looking for corn husks!!!! Guess what – nobody had them! I even looked at the seasonal decorations in my grocery store today. Duh…it never occurred to me to look in the ethnic foods section. I was all prepared to go the Farmer’s Mkt. tomorrow to see if they have them. Thanks so much for the tip!

    Reply
  37. Sherry says

    September 25, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    That wreath is wonderful! I love the impact that one element can have on a design, like using all corn husk. It is really a work of art! The corn husks also looks very nice in the fall arrangement. Thank you for linking it to Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

    Reply
  38. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    October 5, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Hey gorgeous,

    Well, $3 goes a loooooong way when you have the know-how…and you sooooo do! This is lovely! And your photos are awesome…so clear and full of light!

    Thank you so much for linking up to my Fall In Love party.

    Sarahx

    Reply
  39. The Cottage Wren says

    October 5, 2011 at 11:52 PM

    Visiting from Sarah’s site..love the wreath who would have thought corn went beyond the cob..

    Reply
  40. Its So Very Cheri says

    November 15, 2011 at 3:45 PM

    I featuered you in my TOP THAT post.

    Cheri from Its SO Very Cheri

    Reply
  41. WhisperWood Cottage says

    July 17, 2012 at 12:05 AM

    Another great project, Vanessa! Thanks for linking up to The Talent Scouting Party at WhisperWood Cottage!

    Reply
  42. Braintree says

    July 27, 2012 at 11:53 PM

    Found you over on the Whisperwood Cottage “13 Autumn Wreath Ideas” post. Your project is so clever and eye-catching!

    Reply
  43. Dewdrop Gardens says

    September 10, 2012 at 6:22 PM

    Very nice! Amazing that one bag could do so many projects. They look great!
    Debbie 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Corn Husk Crafts says:
    November 7, 2012 at 10:00 AM

    […] from  At the Picket Fence created this fabulous corn husk […]

    Reply
  2. Sunday Spotlight! - You Are Talking Too Much says:
    November 17, 2012 at 6:05 AM

    […] this CL find! She shows you how you can do this easily as well. LOVE IT! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Vanessa At The Picket Fence, likes to say she is craft challenged.  That made her “Corn Husk” wreath all the  […]

    Reply
  3. Reveal! Under Stair Closet Turned Butler’s Pantry! says:
    April 25, 2013 at 4:26 PM

    […] the house and I walked past it and did a double take. It didn’t even have my cute little Corn Husk Wreath on it and I still knew that there was something special about it! Where did this door […]

    Reply
  4. The Ultimate Guide to Fall Decor (Hundreds of DIY ideas!) - Henry Happened says:
    September 16, 2013 at 6:38 AM

    […] 1. Corn Husk Wreath […]

    Reply
  5. The Ultimate Guide to Fall Decor (Hundreds of DIY ideas!) says:
    November 4, 2013 at 2:29 AM

    […] 1. Corn Husk Wreath […]

    Reply

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