Sugar Skulls for Dia de los Muertos

crayola supplies

Squeezables Bold
Model Magic® Fusion™

household supplies

aluminum foil

Why

Celebrate Mexico’s Day of the Dead by making your very own replicas of sugar skulls!

Steps

1. Crumple up a large ball of aluminum foil for the base of each skull. With your fingers, press in nose holes and eye sockets.
2. Roll a large ball of white Crayola Model Magic® Fusion™ modeling compound into a flat sheet. Completely cover your aluminum foil with the Fusion, blending in the edges with your fingers.
3. Pick your favorite colors of Squeezables™ 3-D paint to color in the eye sockets, nose holes, and outlines for the teeth. Complete your sugar skull by adding embellishments such as dots and swirls. Fusion dries to the touch overnight and dries complete in 2 or 3 days. Display your sugar skull where everyone can enjoy this popular tradition.

When & Where

"After the kids made their sugar skulls, they drew pictures of their families to add to their displays. Everyone was very proud to tell stories about their families’ holiday observances. "
- Jane F., art volunteer, ages 7 and 8.

"This project sparked our interest about traditional Mexican culture. We’re planning a family vacation to Mexico to learn more!"
- Tabitha K., parent of ages 9 and 12.

Interesting Info

Dia de los Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico and the U.S. Southwest. It coincides with All Souls and All Saints Days. On November 1st and 2nd, people remember those who are deceased. November 1st is considered the Dia de los Angelitos—the day to remember children, and November 2nd is the traditional Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Pictures of the deceased are placed on Dia de los Muertos altars with their favorite food and drink. Candles to light their way home, and soap and water to freshen up after their long trip back, are also often placed on altars. Trinkets they were fond of, symbols they would understand, and gifts are left to communicate to them that they are always in the hearts of those they left behind, and that they are still part of the family.

Safety Guidelines

Squeezables® 3-D Paint— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.

Crayola Modeling Materials including Crayola Model Magic®, and Model Magic Fusion™, Crayola Air-Dry Clay, and Crayola Dough—

Keep away from open flames. Do not use to make candleholders, hot plates, trivets, or other similar objects that will be used or placed near fire and other heat sources.
Do not put in an oven, microwave, or kiln.
Do not make into vessels/containers that will hold unpackaged food.
The use of modeling material to make items that look like food is discouraged for children younger than age 5 to avoid their confusion with real food.
Unless sealed with a water-resistant glaze, do not make projects exposed to or immersed in water, such as boats or outdoor bird feeders. They would disintegrate when exposed to moisture.
Crayola Dough—contains gluten (wheat flour) as an ingredient.
Crayola Air-Dry Clay, Crayola Model Magic and Model Magic Fusion are gluten-free. However, they are produced on the same machinery as Crayola Dough which does contain gluten. Although the machines are cleaned prior to the start of each production run, there is a slight possibility that trace amounts of gluten from Crayola Dough may be present in the other modeling compound products. For information regarding specific ingredients or allergic concerns, please call our Consumer Affairs department at 1-800-272-9652 weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.