Come the end of the month, it's not at all uncommon to see scary skeletons lurking around the neighborhoods, thanks to Hallo- ween.
But thanks to Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), friendly skeletons are just as welcome. The Mexican holiday, Nov. 1 and 2, celebrates the wondrous cycle of life by recognizing -- but not fearing -- death.
It is a day to reflect on the warm and fuzzy memories and share happy stories, rather than mourning the absence of the dearly departed.
It's believed that the spirits of our loved ones return on these special days to be with family and friends.
We welcome them by dedicating a variety of festive, colorful activities in their honor, such as building an ofrenda that includes that individual's favorite foods, hobbies, music, pictures and more.
For more than this skeletal summary of the holiday, visit dead.azcentral.com for a list of upcoming events, recipes, book recommendations, multimedia of altars built by local artists and a history timeline.
Dia de los Muertos Pin
Supplies:
* Gumball-size chunk of Sculpey clay
* Liner brush
* Craft knife
* Black and white acrylic paints
* 2 jump rings
* Miniscissors
* Snippets of fuchsia, teal, green, purple and yellow party streamers
* Glue gun
* Colored seed beads
* Small pin back
* Milagro
* Water-based varnish
Directions: Flatten the ball of clay into the shape of a quarter.
Use the opposite end of the liner brush to make indented eyeholes and cheekbones. Make a blunt cut for the chin with the craft knife.
Bake in oven according to directions to harden clay.
Paint base coat in white, then add thin black facial accents. Turn over so backside is up and glue one jump ring to the bottom.
Use miniscissors to cut 2-inch by half-inch of party streamers. Take one piece at a time and scrunch it, then apply it around the outside edge of the pin. Continue lining until the paper goes all the way around the pin.
Glue one seed bead in each eyehole for color. Attach pin back. Loop the milagro onto the jump ring and connect to the other jump ring. Add a layer of water-based varnish to the skull.
Tip: Milagros (a k a "little miracles," tiny silver prayer charms) can be found at local Mexican import shops.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: Day of the Dead, jewelry, Latin-inspired, wearable art