From October 31st through November 2nd, those of the Mexican culture celebrate The Day of the Dead or Día de Los Muertos in Spanish. It is a day families gather together to remember and celebrate their loved ones who have passed on. Families gather to eat and to remember those they love.

One of the main decorations for this celebration is sugar skulls. Sugar skulls are just what they sound like – large amounts of sugar pressed into skull-shaped molds, decorated with icing. Some are decorated with sequins and beads. But if the idea of that much sugar near your little one sends you running, let’s make this sugar skull inspired craft project. No sugar required!

For our first project we are making a sugar skull mask. Your little artist will have fun making and wearing our first craft project.

Sugar Skull Mask

Supplies:

1. Copy of sugar skull mask
2. Markers
3. Card stock
4. Scissors
5. Ribbon
6. Stapler with staples

Directions:

1. Print copy of sugar skull mask onto card stock.
2. Color.
3. Cut out.
4. Cut two pieces of ribbon long enough to fit around and tie onto child’s head.
5. Staple ribbon to each side.
6. Wear.

Just as in real sugar skulls, we are using gemstones in making our next sugar skulls craft. If you are feeling even more crafty, add some glitter or glitter glue to this project.

Sugar Skull Gems

Supplies:

1. Copy of sugar skull
2. Glue
3. Gemstones

Directions:

1. Print copy of skull.
2. Glue on gemstones.

It is important to remember that this is not a sad holiday, but a day to celebrate the ones who have passed. Think of it as you would in celebrating a loved one’s birthday. In this next project, we are making picture frames. You can display pictures of your loved ones on this special holiday.

Picture Frame

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Supplies:

1. Copy of picture frame
2. 4″x6″ picture
3. Markers (Tropical) or crayons
4. Optional: gemstones and glue

Directions:

1. Print copy of picture frame.
2. Color.
3. Optional: glue gemstone to frame.
4. Tape the picture to frame.

If you are interested in making more projects about Mexico, please check out our North America category.

We hope you had fun learning about the holiday, The Day of the Dead, or Día de Los Muertos. I know no matter how you celebrate, you will be telling your little artist, “You’re so creative!”