Easy to make papel picado calaveras: Day of the Dead or el Dia de los Muertos decoration garland video tutorial
Make a fabulous DIY papel picado calavera garland or banner, inspired by Day of the Dead here at Happythought.
Last year we put together a template and video showing you how to make traditional papel picado. This year we are on a Calavera (careta or Sugar Skull mask) tip (see our 3D calavera or careta mask template), so we decided to try something a little different and we are thrilled with the results – we hope you like them too!
Papel picado calaveras: Photo & Video Tutorial
Making your own sugar skull papel picado is easy. Follow these simple step-by-step photo instructions below or watch our video tutorial on our youtube channel.
DIY papel picado calavera: Step-by-step photo tutorial
To make papel picado calaveras you will need:
• Crepe paper in at least 3 colors
• Scissors
• Masking tape (colored if available)
• Happythought Calavera papel picado templates (download here)
INSTRUCTIONS: HOW TO MAKE DIY PAPEL PICADO CALAVERA
There are 3 basic stages in the making of the papel picado.
1. PREPARATION
First, cut your crepe paper down into approx. 20 x 12.5cm size sheets.
Next, fold your printed template down the middle (along the dotted line) with the instructions on the outside. Using 4 sheets at a time, fold the crepe paper in half. Then assemble a ‘book’ with the template sheet as the cover.
Secure the top of your book with a little masking tape. Make sure that the crepe paper doesn’t slip when you are cutting out the shapes.
2. CUTTING OUT THE ASSEMBLED SHEETS
You’re now ready to start cutting out your Sugar Skull papel picado! We prefer using scissors. They are easier to handle, especially if you have any little helpers.
Like making paper snowflakes, carefully cut out all the shapes on the interior of the skull template. Then folding again when necessary (as shown) to access the ‘interior’ shapes,. Again follow the template guide to cut around the edges.
When you’ve finished cutting, remove the masking tape from the top. Next flatten out your book and remove the template cover. Be careful when separating the sheets of crepe paper as they can be quite fragile.
Repeat this process with another 4 sheets of crepe paper and the second template sheet. Once you have made 3 or four sets of papels, you are ready to create your garland!
3. STRINGING UP THE PAPEL PICADO WITH MASKING TAPE
Unroll a length of masking tape and lay it out on a flat surface with the sticky side facing up. Carefully place the skulls on the tape in alternate colours. The top tabs of the skulls should only cover half of the width of the masking tape.
Next, fold the tape over to create your garland as shown. To keep things simple, we recommend sticking no more than 5 or 6 at a time. To make a really long garland you can easily stick two lengths together with a little more masking tape.
An alternative method to stringing your garland is to fold over the top tab on your skulls. Lay a length of ribbon along the groove of the fold and turn the flap over the ribbon. Then secure with a glue stick or a little sticky tape.
So, what do you think? Not too tricky, right?
Remember too, if you store your Calavera papel picado carefully you can use them over and over!
DIY Papel Picado calavera: Happythought papel picado template kit (12 patterns)
Papel picado banners, butterfly, calavera, mini flags, birds and hearts plus mini papel picado garland templates. Available in the Dia de los Muertos printables and decorations kit. Calavera cat mask template, Day of the Dead craft worksheets and a beautiful paper flower corona.
Our popular papel picado tutorial and the more recent how to make butterfly papel picado.
Make your fiesta the best!
Did you know?
Happythought membership will get a discount of 50% on all these Day of the Dead printables and templates!
Happythought CraftClub
Being a Happythought member will also gain you access to the ever growing CraftClub library. Only for Happythought members , it is packed with over 100s of free Happythought CraftClub templates, PDF craft activities and classroom worksheets. All free!
More papel picado templates, step-by-step instructions and video tutorials:
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