Guide to Making Paper Mache Skeletons for Day of the Dead Altars

Making a Paper Mache Skeleton for Your Day of the Dead Altar

Celebrating Día de los Muertos is a wonderful way to honor your deceased loved ones. A key part of creating an ofrenda (offering) for Day of the Dead is including symbolic items that represent the interests and personality of those you are remembering. Handcrafting components for your altar is a meaningful activity that allows you to infuse your spiritual traditions and creative talents.

An essential element for any Day of the Dead observance is calaveras (skulls or skeletons). These figures symbolically portray the remembered dead and are often created out of sugar, chocolate, or clay. A fantastic way to add a personalized touch to your ofrenda is to make a paper mache skeleton. With some simple materials and techniques, you can craft a customized calavera that reflects the hobbies, interests, or profession of your deceased loved one.

Why Make a Paper Mache Skeleton?

A handmade paper mache skeleton is a thoughtful way to honor those you are remembering for Día de Muertos. Here are some of the benefits of creating one yourself:

• Allows for personal customization based on your loved one's life, interests, or personality
• Less expensive than purchasing a pre-made calavera
• Fun, hands-on activity for you or the whole family
• Opportunity to add creative touches like color, clothing, tools, or other symbolic items
• Makes your ofrenda unique and more meaningful

The process of designing and crafting a paper mache skeleton can be a meditative act of remembrance and a comforting way to feel connected to those you are honoring. As you work on each detail, you will be reflecting on fond memories and the legacy of your loved one.

Planning Your Paper Mache Skeleton

Before you start building your skeleton, take some time to think about how you want it to represent your loved one. Here are some questions to consider:

• What were their hobbies, talents, or skills?
• Did they have a particular profession or trade?
• What activities or items were strongly associated with them?
• Is there something they always used to wear or have with them?
• Do you want an accurate human skeleton or a more whimsical style?
• Will it be life-size or miniature?
• What pose or position do you want it in?
• How will you personalize or decorate it?

Making notes about these details will help guide you as you bring your paper mache skeleton to life. It may also spark treasured memories that make the project even more heartfelt.

Materials and Tools Needed

Creating a calavera out of paper mache is simple and affordable. Here are the basic supplies you'll need:

• Newspaper
• Flour and water for paste
• A base structure (chicken wire shaped into a frame works well)
• Acrylic or tempera paint
• Paintbrushes
• Decorative items like fabric, buttons, fake flowers, etc. (optional)
• Tape
• Scissors
• Container for paste
• Drop cloths or work surface covers (things may get messy!)

Hardware stores sell small rolls of chicken wire that are easy to bend and twist into the desired skeleton shape. Alternatively, you can wrap newspaper strips around a wire clothes hanger to create bones. Be creative with whatever materials you have available!

Making the Paper Mache Paste

The paste gives the newspaper strips strength and durability when layered onto your skeleton frame. Here is an easy paste recipe:

• Mix 1 part white flour with 2 parts water in a large bowl or bucket. Whisk together thoroughly so there are no lumps.
• Bring 3-4 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Reduce to a simmer and slowly add the flour mixture, stirring constantly.
• Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, until paste is smooth and thick. Allow to cool completely before using.

This homemade paper mache paste is non-toxic when dried. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Shaping the Skeleton

Once you have your base structure prepared, start applying strips of newspaper dipped in the paste mix. Make sure to cover both sides of each piece.

Start with the bones, laying newspaper vertically to create long strips. Overlap the edges slightly as you work your way around. Next, do the skull head using shorter, layered strips.

Smooth everything with your fingers once the base layer has dried. Then use additional rounds of newspaper strips to build up shape and thickness.

Let the form dry for at least 48 hours before painting.

Adding Personal Touches

Now comes the fun part - customizing your skeleton to represent your deceased loved one! Add any props, clothing, decorations, or designs that reflect who they were.

Here are some ideas of details to include:

• A chef's apron and hat
• Gardening tools and flowers for a green thumb
• Favorite sports team's logo or jersey
• Sheet music and musical notes
• Paint brushes and artist smock
• Customized facial features
• Meaningful text on the bones like "Beloved Mother" or favorite quote

Affix any 3D items like tools or clothing with hot glue. Get creative with colors and designs. Add stripes, florals, checkerboard patterns or anything that fits their personality. Outline bones or add shading using darker acrylic paint.

Sealing and Weatherproofing

Once your design is complete, seal the skeleton with an all-purpose spray sealer or decoupage glue. This will protect it from moisture and help preserve it for many years.

If your ofrenda will be outside, waterproof your paper mache calavera with a clear spray acrylic sealer. Reapply annually before displaying to refresh the protection.

Honoring Your Loved One

Creating an individualized paper mache skeleton is a wonderful way to pay tribute to someone who has passed for your Día de los Muertos observance. As you craft each special detail, remember the happy times you shared. Display your finished calavera proudly on your altar as a heartfelt honoring of their spirit.

When family and friends come to view your ofrenda, share the memories and significance behind each unique touch you added. Reminiscing together is a beautiful way to celebrate life and stay connected to your loved ones.

Paper mache allows you to bring your creative vision to life in a hands-on way. Follow these steps to make a personalized skeleton that will be the focal point of your altar for years to come. Your heart and hard work will show through in this meaningful symbol of remembrance.

FAQs About Paper Mache Skeletons for Day of the Dead

Is paper mache appropriate for Día de Muertos?

Yes, paper mache is an ideal material for creating Day of the Dead decorations and calaveras. Since DIY crafts are a traditional part of honoring deceased loved ones for this holiday, a handmade paper mache skeleton is very fitting.

How long does the paper mache process take?

Plan on dedicating 2-3 days for working on your skeleton, not including drying time. Creating the paste and base structure will be the first day. Building up shapes with newspaper strips takes 1-2 additional days. Then allow everything to dry thoroughly before painting and sealing, which takes about 2 more days.

Can you make large skeletons with paper mache?

Yes, paper mache works for small and large-scale projects. For life-size human skeletons, build your wire base accordingly, use thicker layers of newspaper, and insert wood or cardboard supports in the limbs and torso if needed.

Does paper mache hold up well outside?

Paper mache is durable, especially when sealed properly. To display your skeleton outside, use an acrylic sealer rated for outdoor use. Reapply the sealing coat each year before putting your decoration up for Day of the Dead.

What other paper mache crafts are good for Día de Muertos?

You can paper mache just about anything to add to your ofrenda. Some other ideas include: skulls, marigolds, decorations, containers, miniature folk art figures, coffin boxes for incense, and more. Get creative with blending paper mache into your altar traditions!

FAQs

What can I use instead of chicken wire as the base?

You can shape aluminum foil into bones and skulls. Balls of crumpled newspaper also work well as fillers. For limbs, try using rolled up cardboard or paper towel tubes.

How do I make the skeleton poseable?

Cut slits in the torso to insert bamboo skewers. Attach the arms and legs to these with hot glue so they can bend. Use wire inside limbs for more support.

What glue should I use to affix decorations?

Opt for hot glue when attaching lightweight props and fabric pieces. For heavier items, use super glue or epoxy for a stronger bond.

Can I paper mache over an existing plastic skeleton?

Yes, you can layer newspaper strips over a plastic skeleton to customize the shape and look. This saves time on shaping each bone.

How do I get clean lines between bones?

Cut strips of duct tape to cover joints before applying paper mache. Peel off the tape when dry for nice, straight edges.