We love using unusual materials in our crafting. It makes things more interesting for our preschooler and it's an easy way to turn an ordinary craft into something more fun. This dried bean Indian corn craft is the perfect example. Our daughter loved the sensory aspect of playing in the big bowl of beans while we made the craft. We took time to sort the different kinds of beans; we counted them and even buried some toys in the bowl. Then we pieced together the beans to make this cute Thanksgiving craft. This is a great fall craft for the younger set, and the older set could take the time to make more complex patterns out of the beans.

What you'll need:

  • Printable corn template
  • Green and yellow construction paper
  • Scissors
  • White glue
  • Dried beans (we use a bag of bean soup mix from the grocery store)
How to make your Dried Bean Indian Corn Craft:
  1. Print our corn template and cut out the pieces. Trace the pieces onto construction paper and cut the pieces out.
  2. Glue the corn piece onto the husk piece.
  3. Cover the corn piece with a layer of glue. Spread it into an even layer with your finger.
  4. Add beans to the glue. Younger children find it easiest to just dump the corn on by the handful. Older children can place the beans individually to create more of a pattern.
dried bean indian corn craft