Day of the Dead Decorative Skull

This beautiful Day of the Dead Decorative Skull might just be the perfect Halloween decoration idea for your home this year. While everyone is celebrating the monsters and ghouls, don't forget to pay a little tribute to the spirits that have passed on. This paper mache skull is fun to make, and you will have a great experience as you adorn your skull with colored beads. Friends and neighbors will be marveling at this unique Halloween decorating idea.

Primary TechniqueBeadwork

Intermediate

SeasonFall

Materials:

Paper mache skull
White acrylic paint
Sponge brush
Size 11/0 seed beads in assorted colors
Aleene's Glitter and Gem Glue
Toothpick
Pencil
Sheet of parchment paper
Plastic lid / bead tray

Instructions:

Cover your work surface with some parchment paper. Squirt a quarter-size amount of paint onto the paper and proceed to paint the skull. It will need two coats of paint. Allow the paint to dry between each layer. Hint: I use parchment paper on my craft table to keep wet objects from sticking to table surface. The paper will easily peel away.
Lightly sketch your design onto the skull using a pencil. Pour your first color of beads into the bead tray. Trace your first shape with a line of glue. Tip the toothpick into the glue. This adds just enough tackiness to use as a tool for picking up a bead and positioning into place.
Working in small sections, fill in your entire design with beads. To keep mine lightweight, I didn't cover the background, simply the foreground / design.

Why This Halloween Craft is Scary Great!

1. Celebrate the Day of the Dead: Embrace the rich traditions and cultural significance of the Day of the Dead by creating your very own decorative skull. This craft project is a beautiful way to honor and remember loved ones who have passed on, adding a special touch to your Halloween decor.

2. Get Creative: Let your imagination run wild as you personalize your skull with colorful beads and intricate designs. This project allows you to showcase your artistic skills and creativity, making each skull unique and one-of-a-kind. Have fun experimenting with different patterns and colors to create a stunning masterpiece.

3. Impress Your Guests: Stand out from the typical Halloween decorations with a Day of the Dead Decorative Skull that will wow your friends and family. Your guests will be impressed by your handmade masterpiece and admire the attention to detail that went into creating such a beautiful and meaningful piece of art. This craft project is sure to spark conversations and create a memorable experience for everyone who sees it.