This guide provides step-by-step instructions for 10 DIY crafts. Whether you're creating decorations for your altar (ofrenda) or hosting a celebration, these crafts offer meaningful ways to engage. 

What is Día de Los Muertos? 

Día de Los Muertos is not Mexico’s version of Halloween. Instead, it is a joyful celebration of life and death, where people honor the memory of their departed loved ones. Altars (ofrendas) are set up with photos, marigold flowers, candles, and offerings of food, such as pan de muerto (bread of the dead).

The holiday spans two days:

• November 1st: Día de Los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels) honors children who have passed away.
• November 2nd: Honors deceased adults.

During the festivities, sugar skulls, marigold flowers, and papel picado banners fill homes and streets with vibrant color and symbolism.

For a deeper dive into the holiday’s meaning, symbolism, and history, visit The Ultimate Guide to Day of the Dead Traditions on the FiestaConnect blog.

10 DIY Day of the Dead Crafts to Try at Home 

1. Printable Sugar Skull Masks for Kids

Create sugar skull masks to bring life to your celebration. Sugar skulls (calaveras) represent departed souls and are often decorated with vibrant colors and patterns.

Materials Needed:

• Free printable sugar skull templates here
• Markers, crayons, or paint
• Craft stick
• Scissors
• Glue

Instructions:

1. Download and print the template.
2. Let kids color the masks with bright patterns.
3. Cut out the masks along the outline.
4. Glue a craft stick to the bottom for easy holding.
   
   

2. Papel Picado Banners for Your Altar 

Add festive flair to your celebration with papel picado—delicate cut-out banners symbolizing the connection between life and death.

Materials Needed:

• Colored tissue paper
• Scissors or craft knife
• String
• Tape

Instructions:

1. Fold tissue paper and draw designs along the crease.
2. Cut carefully along the lines to reveal intricate patterns.
3. Unfold the paper and tape several pieces to a string.
4. Hang the banner across your altar or walls.

Where to Buy: Find ready-made papel picado at Fiesta Connect.

3. Marigold Paper Flowers: Spirit Guides 

Marigold flowers (cempasúchil) are essential for guiding spirits to the altar. Craft your own paper marigolds to decorate your ofrenda.

Materials Needed:

• Orange tissue paper
• Green pipe cleaners
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Stack 6-8 sheets of tissue paper.
2. Fold accordion-style and secure the middle with a pipe cleaner.
3. Trim the edges into rounded shapes.
4. Pull apart each layer to form a full flower.

4. Create a Colorful Sawdust Carpet (Tapetes de Aserrín) 

Tapetes de aserrín are intricate carpets made of dyed sawdust, used to welcome spirits to the altar. This traditional decoration adds color and meaning to your celebration.

Materials Needed:

• Fine sawdust or colored sand
• Stencils or templates
• Fabric dye or food coloring
• Spray bottle with water

Instructions:

1. Dye the sawdust using food coloring or fabric dye. Let it dry.
2. Place stencils on the floor or altar base.
3. Carefully pour colored sawdust over the stencil.
4. Mist the sawdust lightly with water to set the design.

To learn more, check out this cool blog!

5. Build Your Own Altar (Ofrenda) 

An ofrenda is the heart of any Día de Los Muertos celebration. Use this altar to honor your ancestors with personal mementos and traditional items.

Materials Needed:

• Small table or shelf
• Photos of loved ones
• Marigold flowers and papel picado
• Candles and incense
• Food offerings (e.g., pan de muerto, favorite snacks)

Instructions:

1. Arrange photos and marigolds on the altar.
2. Light candles to guide spirits.
3. Add favorite foods and drinks of your loved ones.

6. DIY Flower Crowns for Día de Los Muertos 

Flower crowns (coronas de flores) are a popular accessory during Día de Los Muertos parades.

Materials Needed:

• Faux flowers
• Headband
• Hot glue gun

Instructions:

1. Arrange flowers along the headband.
2. Use a hot glue gun to secure them.
3. Allow the glue to dry before wearing.

7. Bake Traditional Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) 

Pan de muerto is a sweet, egg-based bread placed on altars and shared among family members.

Traditional Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tsp dry yeast
• ½ cup milk
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 1 tbsp orange zest

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, sugar, and yeast in a bowl.
2. Add warm milk, eggs, and butter. Knead into dough.
3. Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours.
4. Shape into a round loaf, adding bone-shaped strips on top.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.
6. Dust with sugar and serve.

8. Monarch Butterfly Craft: Honoring Souls 

Monarch butterflies are believed to carry the souls of the dead. This easy craft honors their symbolism.

Materials Needed:

• Orange construction paper
• Black marker
• Pipe cleaners

Instructions:

1. Cut the paper into a butterfly shape.
2. Draw wing patterns with a black marker.
3. Attach pipe cleaners for antennae.

9. Painted Sugar Skull Rocks 

Create painted sugar skull rocks as decorations or gifts.

Materials Needed:

• Smooth stones
• Acrylic paints
• Sealant spray

Instructions:

1. Sketch a sugar skull on the stone.
2. Use acrylic paints to color the design.
3. Seal with a protective spray.

10. DIY Noisemakers (Sonajas) for Celebrations

Add fun to your celebration with these easy noisemakers!

Materials Needed:

• Empty toilet paper rolls
• Beads or rice
• Paint
• Tape

Instructions:

1. Fill the roll with beads or rice and tape both ends shut.
2. Paint the roll with bright colors and patterns.

Celebrate Día de Los Muertos Creatively 

With these 10 DIY crafts, you can honor your loved ones and create meaningful decorations for your celebration. Whether you're making sugar skull masks, building an altar, or crafting marigold flowers, these activities will connect you to the spirit of the holiday.

Get Inspired: Visit Fiesta Connect to find papel picado, altar decorations, and other essentials for your celebration.

Share Your Crafts: Which project are you most excited to try? Share your favorite creation in the comments below!

This comprehensive guide ensures your Día de Los Muertos celebration is filled with meaningful art, family bonding, and cultural appreciation. Happy crafting!