We couldn’t bring you real sugar skulls this year, so we’re helping you out with Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) balloon fun! This craft is easy and fun for any age (although young ones will need some help – and watch out for run away permanent markers).
Traditionally, sugar skulls are placed on altars of remembrance (ofrendas) with the names of deceased loved ones written across the forehead. Some people also give them to living friends as a reminder that the only sure thing in life is death. (You can learn more about Day of the Dead here).
And when you are done, celebrate with one of our Pan de Muerto and a cup of hot chocolate!
You will need:
- 1 white balloon
- black permanent markers (or colored if you want to get fancy!)
Download full PDF with more design ideas or follow along below.
Step 1
Blow up your balloon.
Step 2
Draw the eyes and nose. If you are making several balloons for small children to decorate, you can make a cardboard cutout of 2 large round eyes and a heart shaped nose, then have them trace that on the balloon.
Step 3
Draw a straight (or smiley, or frowny) line for the mouth. Draw ovals across it for the teeth.
Step 4
Draw S shaped and backward S shaped decorations
Step 5
Create the teardrop decoration
Step 6
Draw hearts and diamonds in between other decorations
All done!
Looking good.
You could get more intricate or simpler. The sky is the limit! Have fun and think of your family and friends the next few days as you look at your balloon sugar skull. 🙂
