How to Make Papel Picado for the Day of the Dead

Transform tissue paper into a remembrance of someone who has died.

Papel picado has been used for many years in Mexico to decorate churches and houses for the Day of the Dead celebration. Although other material such as plastic, copy paper and construction paper will work, tissue paper is the most commonly used because it is very thin, making it easier to cut. Papel picado adds color and a sense of tradition to the shrines built to remember those who have died. This activity works for children of all ages; the older they are, the more intricate patterns they can make.

Things You'll Need

• 12 pieces of tissue paper
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Hole punch
• Tape or glue
• 12 feet of string

Instructions

1. Cut tissue paper into 12-by 12-inch squares.

2. Fold the paper in half, making sure the corners match.

3. Fold the paper in half again so it is divided into four equal squares.

4. Draw a design in pencil on the folded paper. Flowers are appropriate for the center, and semicircles or triangles along the edges add texture to the design. Draw the design so it won't require cutting out the whole figure; the paper should remain intact once you unfold it.

5. Cut out the design carefully so the paper does not move. If the design requires cutting out a shape in the middle of the square, fold the paper to that spot or use a hole punch so you do not have to cut the edges of the paper. You also can use the hole punch to embellish the design, giving the papel picado more intricate details.

6. Unfold the paper to reveal the design times four. Take one side of the paper and make a 1/4-inch fold. Attach the paper to the string with tape or glue.

7. Repeat the steps until you have attached 12 pieces of tissue paper to the string. Hang the string to display the finished project.

Tips & Warnings

• For more intricate designs, fold the paper into sixths or eighths, keeping in mind the more you fold, the harder it is to cut and keep the paper from moving

• Cut with an X-acto knife for greater precision.

• Plan ahead if you want to create a pattern when you attach the papers to the string.

• Pay close attention when cutting the edges of the folded paper to it remains intact.

• Tissue paper is very fragile; use very little glue and or be very careful when taping it as one little mistake can ruin the entire piece of paper.