Day of the Dead- Sugar Skull Craft

Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and in other cultures around the world.  Sugar skulls are a sweet treat made and left for deceased relatives and "visiting spirits" on Dia de los Muertos.  You can find more information {here} about the holiday 

and the beautiful mask designs of this folk art tradition.

 I've seen a lot of sugar skull decorations around for Halloween this year.

I love it!

The best decor selection I've found has been at World Market.

At our last {Fine Arts Night}, one of the activity rooms featured making these fun Day of the Dead masks.  It was a popular craft and the kids had a great time making them.

If you're looking for a school craft or Halloween party activity, 

this is it!

You'll need:

colored Popsicle sticks

paper plates

glue gun

markers/scissors

Draw out your skull shape on a paper plate. 

To help the little kiddos, we made patterns that they could trace.

You can download my skull pattern {here}

Cut out the traced skull.

Draw and color in black,  2 large eyes and an upside down heart for the nose.

On the ridges of the plate, draw lines for teeth. 

Now decorate with patterns, shapes and color!

Finally, glue a colorful Popsicle stick on the back.

You've got your sugar skull mask!

Happy Halloween and Dia de los Muertos!