Day of the Dead Craft Ideas
Day of the Dead is a beautiful and lively Mexican holiday when people honor their late relatives. It’s a time when people remember the deceased and celebrate their memory. Also known as Día de los Muertos, it is celebrated each year on Nov. 1 and 2. Food, drink and music are often part of the celebrations. Decorative skeletons made of plastic, clay and other materials are also a signature part of the occasion. Many people make their own skull and skeleton decorations to help celebrate the holiday. Here are two Day of the Dead craft ideas that kids and parents can make together to recognize and celebrate this joyful holiday.
The Day of the Dead craft ideas below are from the blog, Hispana Global, by Latina blogger, Jeannette Kaplun. You can also check out Kaplun’s Day of the Dead Coloring Book packed with 38 pages of sugar skulls and Mexican motifs to fill in, all inspired by Day of the Dead.
Day of the Dead Craft Ideas
Decorated Papier-mâché Skull
Making and decorating a skull for Day of the Dead is a tradition in Mexico to honor loved ones who have passed away.
You’ll need:
Papier–mâché skull (available online)
White matte acrylic paint
Foam paint brush
Paint pens
Paper flowers
Self-adhesive gems
Glue dots
Instructions:
Paint the papier-mâché mask white and allow to dry completely.
Decorate the skull using the paint pens. (Don’t be scared of using different colors!)
Add paper flowers using the glue dots and self-adhesive gems to embellish your design.
Paper-Plate Skull
Another easy craft that parents and kids can make together.
You’ll need:
White paper plates
Lucky Charms cereal
Scissors (with a rounded tip if your child will use them )
Non-toxic glue
Glitter or glitter glue
Permanent Markers (like Sharpies)
Paper puncher
Optional: Ribbon, yarn or wooden ice cream stick to use as a mask.
Instructions:
Use the scissors to shape the paper plate into a skull. Picture a semicircle and then at the bottom, cut it into the shape of the jaw, as you see in the picture.
Use a black marker to draw eyes, the nose (draw an upside down heart) and the teeth.
Make the nose tridimensional by gluing a heart-shaped Lucky Charms marshmallow backwards.
Decorate your skull. Use cereal on the edge of the eyes, and fill in with colored markers and glitter. Be as creative as you (or your children) want to be!
To use as a mask, punch holes in the eyes, then punch two holes in the temples, and tie ribbon or yarn. You can also glue a wooden stick. So easy!
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