Dia de Los Muertos Shrine Tutorial

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a beautiful Mexican holiday that celebrates, rather than mourns, the passing of loved ones. Learn how to celebrate Dia de los Muertos with this Dia de los Muertos Shrine Tutorial. You will be able to decorate your shrine however you wish, but traditionally sugar skulls play an important role in Day of the Dead shrines. These skulls are decorated in bright colors, and most Day of the Dead art projects are decorated in the same way.

Primary TechniqueMixed Media

Intermediate

SeasonFall

Materials:

Polymer clay
Mark making tools – needle tool, pencil, craft knife
Glitter in several colors
Glue
Black felt pen
Card stock in several bright colors
Skull shaped punch
Glitter glue in the colors of your card stock
Silk flowers in bright colors
Hot glue

Instructions:

Make a polymer clay skull.
Shape it on your work surface to keep the back flat. Bake as directed.
Color in the eyes, nose and teeth with the felt pen.
Add tiny dots of glue where you want one color of glitter.
Sprinkle glitter. Tap off excess glitter. Repeat for each color.
Allow to dry.
Punch out the skulls.
Outline and make designs with glitter glue the same color as the paper.
Allow to dry.
Glue mosaic bowls and screw them on the backing.
Alternate silk flowers and skulls all the way around the inside edge.

Why This Halloween Craft is Scary Great!

1. Honor loved ones: Creating a Dia de los Muertos shrine allows you to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away in a meaningful and creative way. It's a beautiful way to celebrate their memory and keep them close to your heart.

2. Express creativity: Making a Dia de los Muertos shrine is a fun and artistic project that allows you to express your creativity. You can customize your shrine with colorful decorations, intricate designs, and personal touches to make it truly unique.

3. Learn about Mexican culture: Dia de los Muertos is a rich and vibrant Mexican tradition that has been celebrated for centuries. By making a Dia de los Muertos shrine, you can learn more about the history and significance of this holiday and connect with Mexican culture in a meaningful way. It's a great way to expand your cultural knowledge and appreciation for different traditions.