Day of the Dead Crafts () von Kerry Arquette

Th e History of the Day of the Dead.

Ofrendas: Altars to Welcome Returning Souls.

What is Your Ofrenda Style?

Prepare an Ofrenda.

Optional Extras.

Ofrenda Themes.

Create a Unique Memorial.

Calaveras: Skeletons With Personality.

Clay Calaveras Span the Spectrum.

Who Will Your Calavera Be?

Clay Calavera.

Dressed Male Calavera.

Dressed Female Calavera.

Detailed Male Calavera.

Detailed Female Calavera.

Beyond Clay Calaveras.

Paper Calavera.

Decorative Nichos.

Collage a Nicho.

Masks and Skulls: Decorative Pieces to Display or Wear.

Open Your Mind to the Possibilities.

Paper Mach?? Mask.

Paint Your Mask or Skull.

Decorate Your Mask or Skull.

Wood Burn a Gourd Mask.

Photo-Collaged Mask.

Tasty Sugar Skulls.

Jewelry: Necklaces, Earrings & Bracelets.

From Sophisticated to Silly.

Heritage Memory Necklace.

Microscope Slide Earrings.

Marigold Beaded Necklace.

Th ree Original Charms.

Fabric Jewelry.

Marigold and Skull Pendant.

Uncultured Pearl Earrings.

Photo Transfer Necklace.

Home D??cor: Stunning Decorations for Your Home.

Bring Your Home to Life.

Design a Papel Picado.

Papel Picado Lampshade.

Day of the Dead Printmaking.

Studentsa?? Interpretations.

Puzzle-Pieced Composition.

Wall-Mounted Candleholder.

Creating With Puff Paint.

Colorful Puff -Paint Creations.

Painting on Glass.

Building Skeleton Puppets.

Patterns.

Resources.

Index.

Inside you'll find step-by-step instructions, ideas, and inspiration for a wide range of projects, including:

• Calaveras, those comical and clever skeleton figures caught in the act of enjoying life's favorite activities
• Masks and skulls made from paper mache, gourds, and even sugar
• A meaningful and artistic ofrenda, or altar, to honor those who have passed
• Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more to wear day or night
• Pieces guaranteed to liven up any decor

Colorful, whimsical, and often dramatic, Day of the Dead art is steeped in rich history and symbolism. The projects in Day of the Dead Crafts honor the traditional, while taking advantage of today's materials for a fresh and exciting twist.

Andrea Zocchi, cofounder of Cantata Books, Inc., was an art director for a large design and how-to book and magazine publisher. Multitalented and versatile, he has worked as a graphic designer, freelance photogrpher, director of a foreign studies program, sales manager, and farmhand.

Jerry Vigil, a self-taught Chicano artist, has carved bultos and retablos since 1998. Known in his hometown of Denver as the “Dean of the Dead,” he is a high-profi le art activist and instructor whose work has appeared in dozens of local and national exhibits and competitions as well as numerous publications. His signature calaveras are a distinctly vibrant blue.