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How do I turn corn husk into toys? Help needed!

Skyandkiwi

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Hello!

So while I was peeling the corn husk off of the corn I recently purchased, I realized how much corn husk was left on my counter. I grabbed a couple of husks, washed them thoroughly, and I am planning to turn these into toys. The corn by the way is organic. How do I dry corn husks? Do I leave them outside, or do I bake them? Also, if I wanted to, for example braid the corn husks, do I braid it, then dry it. Or can I dry the corn husks, and then make toys out of them. Any advice is appreciated! Thank you!!
 

dollfish

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I have just done this this week. First braid then dry. Dry under the sun for a full day if your days are hot enough. Don't let them sit, do whatever you want to do and then dry immediately to avoid potential fungal growth. Here are mine! I attach these to toys. They make nice crunchy chewables!

20200821_223116.jpg
 

Skyandkiwi

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I have just done this this week. First braid then dry. Dry under the sun for a full day if your days are hot enough. Don't let them sit, do whatever you want to do and then dry immediately to avoid potential fungal growth. Here are mine! I attach these to toys. They make nice crunchy chewables!

View attachment 351521
Thank you! It’s pretty hot outside, so they’ll dry quick! Btw, your corn husk creations look amazing!
 

dollfish

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They don't shrink much and are still flexible when dry but you wouldn't be able to do things like tieing knots for example, they would break. Can you share your creations too? I love toy ideas!

:smileflower:
 

Skyandkiwi

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I’m currently making them. They are actually quite fun! I’ll keep you updated with pictures once they are done :D
 

Skyandkiwi

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Ok! Here is toy number #1 of the 2 I planned on making! This is how it looks before it is dried. I’ll make sure to send pics of the final product, but I thought i’d give you guys an update. It was very easy and fun to make. All I did was braid 3 pieces of corn husk and did that 3 times until I had 3 big braids. I kept the thin strands of the corn husk for the bottom so that I could create a tassel. I then used twine to secure the whole thing together and viola! My first ever corn husk toy! I am so excited to give it to the budgies!! @dollfish
 

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dollfish

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Very cute and I love toys like this where you can hide stuff inbetween the fibres.
 

Skyandkiwi

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Alright, update:
Yesterday was literally the sunniest, hottest day of the summer yet in our area, which was the reason I decided to make these toys. The one day I decide to dry corn husks outside, it rains. I don’t know if I can still use it, or not. I’m really upset since they were drying so well!
 

Destiny

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You can dry them in the oven too. I'd set it around 150 F and dry them for a few hours.

Maybe three or four hours to be sure the inside is completely dried.
 
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Skyandkiwi

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You can dry them in the oven too. I'd set it around 150 F and dry them for a few hours.
Alright, I’ll try that. Although with rain on it, could I still wash and dry it again?
 

Destiny

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Certainly. That shouldn't be a problem.
 

dollfish

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Yeah I think so. And if your summers are anything like ours you could dry them in the sun again for a full day. Sunlight wreaks havoc on organisms.
 

Lady Jane

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The oven method sounds best as it should kill any mold formations.
 

Skyandkiwi

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Update!
I put in the sun as it a was very hot outside, And then baked it as @Lady Jane and @Destiny said. They turned a little brown, is that normal? D7AD64FD-E096-4B69-9238-866B50D1AB36.jpeg
 

dollfish

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I guess so. I don't bake mine and they turn a light yellow. This is just a few shades darker probably because of the extra heat since you baked them.
 

Skyandkiwi

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I guess so. I don't bake mine and they turn a light yellow. This is just a few shades darker probably because of the extra heat since you baked them.
Yes, next time I’ll just sun dry them. Could I still put it in their cage? Thank you!
 

dollfish

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I think you can, they will be a little crunchier that's all! I hope Sky and Kiwi enjoy! :dance2:
 
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