Begin to make the miniature corn (maize) stalk by preparing the main stems.
- Cut sections of wire 1/4 inch longer than you want your final stalk to be. ( For 1:12 scale cut your stalks approximately six to 7 inches long)
- Paint the wire corn stalks a color to match the leaf color (beige or leaf green, depending on the season you are representing)
- Paint a two foot length of thread a pale green or beige color. (it is easiest to do this by drawing the thread through paint on the end of your index finger and thumb). Set the thread aside to dry.
- When the thread is dry, cut 1/2 inch lengths (or scale lengths which represent 6 inches if you are working in other scales) and dip these in glue, then roll them in fine sand or some other fine granular material. The sand should not coat them too thickly. Set these aside to dry.
- When the sand is firmly glued to the thread, paint the thread and sand beige (for dry stalks) or soft yellow (for summer stalks) Don't worry if some of the thread shows as beige or green. Set the threads aside to dry.
- Gather a group of five to seven threads and glue them near the top of a stalk wire as shown. Don't worry if they droop a bit. Set this aside to dry.
