How to Write Names on Sugar Skulls

While it's acceptable for sugar skulls to remain nameless, most people who follow Mexican tradition for "Day of the Dead" write the name of a deceased loved one on the head of the sugar skull. The name represents the person being honored. The names of living people can also go on a sugar skulls, if you're giving the sugar skulls as gifts or making them as party favors.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tin foil or paper
• Icing
• Icing bag and tips
• Toothpick

1. Choose how you want to write the name on the sugar skull. Most sugar skull makers use colored foil, applied to the center of the head, to write the name. You can also use paper or icing.
2. Cut out the foil or paper in a rectangular shape, sized to fit on the forehead of the skull. If using only icing to write the name, draw a rectangular shaped box on the forehead with icing.
3. Write the name on the foil or paper using icing, before you apply it to the skull. This way if you mess up, you can always wipe off the icing and write it again. If using only icing, write the name in the center of the rectangular box drawn on the forehead.
4. Apply the paper or foil to the sugar skull by using a few dabs of icing to glue it on the forehead. Press lightly with a toothpick, or other small object, to make sure the paper or foil adheres to the sugar skull.
5. Decorate around the name with icing.