10 Easy Yet Original DIY Ideas For Día de los Muertos

The Crafty Chica

It's often confused with Halloween, but we know that Día de los Muertos is its own special, unique holiday worthy of celebration. Whether you'll be building an ofrenda altar or indulging in pan de muertos, we asked Kathy Cano-Murillo — aka The Crafty Chica — for a few easy ways you can DIY your way to a festive and respectful get-together this November. Keep scrolling for all her great ideas.

01
Sugar Skull Piñata
The Crafty Chica

Sugar Skull Piñata

"Why buy them when they are supereasy and fun to make?" said Kathy of this stress-free customizable piñata tutorial. While many crafters prefer using a balloon for a piñata, she says "a paper lantern is so much easier!"

02
Sugar Skull Candy Apples
The Crafty Chica

Sugar Skull Candy Apples

These candied apples are sweet to look at — and taste even better. "They will wow friends and party guests — and look much more difficult than they actually are," Kathy said of this recipe, contributed to her site by guest blogger Jeshua.

03
A Wood Ofrenda
The Crafty Chica

A Wood Ofrenda

Kathy is a pro at making wood altars to honor loved ones who have passed away — in fact, she's even led a shrine-making class for a group of Latina bloggers. Carve out some time to check out her step-by-steps, plus find a wood pattern so you can get started on your own.

04
Muertitos Bottle People
The Crafty Chica

Muertitos Bottle People

"Don't toss those Coke bottles!" the crafter said. "They are the perfect shape to paint bodies on. Make them your own with paint and drawings, then all you have to do is attach a glittered skull to the top."

05
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Mini Sugar Skulls For Cafecito

Sugar cubes in the shape of calaveras? We'll take two, please — or more. Follow Kathy's easy video tutorial to make your own at home. "They add so much personality to a coffee or hot cocoa serving tray!"

06
Print Coloring Book Pages
The Crafty Chica

Print Coloring Book Pages

Lay out Día de los Muertos-themed coloring book pages for guests — or yourself — to enjoy. You can start with these free ones, which Kathy's husband created specifically for the season.

07
Muertos Fiesta Pillowcases
The Crafty Chica

Muertos Fiesta Pillowcases

Have leftover scrap fabrics? "Put them to good use and make these epic pillowcases. Pattern and tutorial included."

08
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Skull Shirts

There are not one, not two, but 21 shirt options here for you. Whether you're into fabric spray paint or glitter stencils, Kathy says, "there's an idea here for every kind of crafter."

09
Calaca Cakes
The Crafty Chica

Calaca Cakes

Sugar skulls that are soft enough to eat? We'll be making these ASAP — and lucky for us, Kathy says, "these cakes are fast to whip together and a delight to frost."

10
Día de los Muertos Story
Shutterstock

Día de los Muertos Story

Día de los Muertos is very meaningful, and everyone who celebrates has a different story or loved one they associate with the day. So why not write about it? Or just read the crafter's story out loud: Rubina Chinchada and the Enchanted Dresser. "It's lighthearted, with a bit of a ghostly edge," she said. "Perfect for sharing!"