How to Make a Day of the Dead Altar?
How to make a simple but special Day of the Dead altar. Don’t miss the list of the elements you need to add, plus an easy DIY tutorial about how to make your papel picado step by step.
Making a Day of the Dead Altar is about memories and traditions and the most important part is that you enjoy the process. Sit down with your kids, or your dog if you prefer, at the table and make some punched paper together, drink hot cocoa, bring old photo albums and relive old happy family memories. This celebration is a bit melancholic, but it can also be a joyful tradition if we focus in the positive and use the opportunity to celebrate the amazing lives of our loved ones that have passed away.
Note:
What I’m going to share with you is not a traditional seven level altar. It’s a homemade version, an easy way to make an altar in the corner of your home. I hope you enjoy my colorful version :)
What do you need to create a Day of the Dead altar (Altar del Did de los Muertos) ? Check out my colorful homemade version and all the elements that I add in my home in this beautiful tradition.
MATERIALS:
Picture of your beloved one.
Punched paper. The paper represents the wind. Don’t miss a simple tutorial about how I make my papel picador below. I made mine using tissue paper.
Candles. They represent fire.
Water. To quench the thirst of the dead when they arrive and as a representation of the element of water.
Seeds. Dirt or something else that represents earth.
Flowers. You can make your own cempasuchitl flowers using tissue paper.
Banquet. Any food and beverages your beloved one used to love.
Candy skulls.
How to make papel picado for your Day of the Dead altar
How to Make Papel Picado for your Day of the Dead Altar:
Fold the tissue paper following the lines on step #1, #2 and #3.
Then cut two semi circles like image #5 and some triangles like image #6. As far as I have seen, it does not matter how many cuts do you make, they can be triangles, circles or squares. Just fold the tissue paper and make cuts, it’s gonna look good, I promise.
Listo!
How to put together the altar for Dia de los Muertos:
First I covered the table with tissue paper and I added tissue paper as a backdrop and some punched paper on top to cover the walls.
Then add the elements you have available. I personally like to always add some the candles, a glass of water, the picture of my beloved ones, some seeds in a bowl, a cute candy skull and some flowers for a special touch. Not every year is the same, but I like to look for things that reminds me the water, wind, earth and fire in some way.
I have seen many designs and ways to make altars for theDay of the Dead and I believe that every person should add their own special touches to them. Any extra detail, special food, special flowers your beloved one used to love will be a beautiful detail to add for your altar.
Check out more Day of the Dead crafts and DIY projects here: Day of the Dead Crafts.
More Day of the Dead DIYs and inspiration on my Pinterest board. You are going to love the ideas!
