To make this doll, you'll need some corn husks, cotton balls, string, and some yarn or ribbon. Since you'd be hard-pressed to find corn growing outside this time of year, check your grocery store to obtain the husks. Dried-out ones can be used, but soak them for a few hours first to soften them up and make them more pliable.
Take a strip of the husk and fold it in half. Place two or three cotton balls in the middle, then twist the husk around and tie off with a piece of string. This makes the head of the corn dolly. Leave a bit of husk at the front and back, below the head, to make the torso.
Make a pair of arms by folding a couple husks in half and tying off the ends to make hands. Slip the arms between the husks that form the torso and tie the waist securely. If you want your doll with a little more "oomph," add an extra cotton ball or two into the torso to give Brighid a bit of shape.
To create the skirt, add a few more husks, upside down and overlapping slightly, around the doll's waist. Tie the skirt in place with yarn. It should look like she has her skirt up over her face (ooh, scandalous!). After tying the waist, carefully fold the husks down to create a full skirt. Trim the hem of the skirt so it's even, and leave the doll to dry.
Once dry, you can leave her plan or give her a face and some hair. I tend to leave mine plain, haha. You can add clothing, too, or beadwork if you desire. Get creative and pull out that crafting box!
Place Brighid in a place of honor in your home for Imbolc, near your hearth or in the kitchen if possible, and prepare yourself for the abundance she brings!
(Illustrations courtesy of Patti Wigington at About.com.)
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