October is the month when apples take center stage at grocery stores and roadside markets. The fruit has an ancient history that began long before John Chapman, or Johnny Appleseed as we've come to know him, planted apple trees in the Northwest Territory more than 200 years ago. People in prehistoric times used apple-headed puppets in ceremonial magic displays, and ancient healers in Africa and Asia used them in healing rituals.

It is believed that the Seneca Indians of western New York were the first in America to produce doll heads from apples. The mountain people of Appalachia quickly adopted the craft and the folk art of handmade apple-headed doll-making still exists there to this day.

One of the most interesting aspects of apple-head dolls is that no two dolls are alike after the apple dries.

I found instructions to make apple-head dolls at www.familyfun.go.com on the Web. Type in "apple-head dolls" in the search box. The directions may also be used to make witches or mummies for Halloween decorations.

You can use any kind of apple to make a doll head, but red and golden delicious apples work well. To prevent the doll skin from getting dark, soak it in lemon juice before carving. Young children will need the help of an adult to carve their apples.

Supplies you will need:

Apple

Potato peeler and paring knife

Colored markers

Natural fiber yarn

16-ounce plastic bottle

Bottle cork

Fabric

Rubber band

Glue

Peel and core the apple.

Carve a face into one side of the apple. Use the tip of the potato peeler to hollow out the eyes. Use a paring knife to carefully make a slit for the mouth. Carve a triangle below the eyes for a nose. Carve extra creases for wrinkles.

Place the apple on a drying rack for two or three weeks until dry. When the head shrinks and wrinkles, use colored markers to enhance the lips, eyes and cheeks.

Cut at least 10 strands of yarn that measure twice the preferred hair length plus two inches. Gather the strands and fold in half. Tie another strand around the yarn about an inch from the fold to make a loop. Stuff the loop into the top of the head, allowing the strands of yarn to drape down around the head. Style the "hair" any way you would like.

Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle. Place a cork inside the top to act as a neck. Wrap the fabric around the bottle, leaving about two inches of fabric at the neck for a collar. Wrap a rubber band around the neck of the bottle and turn the collar down. Tuck the excess fabric up inside the bottle at the bottom. Use glue to hold in place if necessary. Wrap another piece around the doll as a shawl, if you would like.

Gently push the apple down onto the cork. Use glue to hold if necessary.