Spooky Corn Stalk Decor Tutorial

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Dark corn stalk decor, I’m smitten. I’ve always professed how little I like the plastic, fakey, spooky Halloween decor that becomes so prevalent this time of year. The prettier and more natural, the better a decoration is for me. These corn stalk clusters tutorial from the latest issue of Martha Stewart strike just the right balance – sinister, yes, but simply charming and beautiful to look at Y-e-e-s! The dried husks are braided around wire to make a door swag that’s subtly spooky – and simultaneously chic! I’m so excited to share the tutorial for how to make them today!

There is so much that I love about this corn stalk decoration. I love the black sheen. I adore that the husks are braided (love me a braid!), and the contrast of the black against the dried tan husk is perfection! Yep, it gave me the crafty shivers when I saw it. I don’t know about you, but I just ordered some black paint!

Stalks on the Dark Side: Corn Stalk Decor

Materials

9 ears dried corn plus additional husks
Masking tape
Matte-black spray paint
Metal wire, 20 gauge
Wire cutters

:: Soak ears of corn and husks in water to make husks more pliable, 2 minutes. Pull down attached husks around stem of each ear.

:: Wrap a paper towel around husks of each ear and secure with tape. Working in a well-ventilated area, spray-paint corn; let dry. Remove paper towels.

:: Wrap end of wire roll a round stem of one ear of corn. Using sections of husk from that ear and 2 other ears, braid husks around wire to all three ears.

:: Add 3 additional pieces of husk to continue braid. Continue adding husks and braiding until braid is a couple of inches longer than an ear of corn.

:: Add 3 more ears of corn by braiding sections of husk from each ear around wire. Continue braid with additional husks, then repeat with last 3 ears of corn. Wrap end of final braid into a loop and secure with wire. Cut off excess wire with wire cutters.

:: Once husks are dry, trim any ends that stick out of braid.

:: Hang from loop! Voila

This corn stalk decor tutorial was provided courtesy of Martha Stewart Living for the readers of Flax & Twine. All photos in this post are by the talented Ngoc Minh Ngo. Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living. Copyright © 2015.Look for the latest issue for all your favorite fall decor ideas!