Day of the Dead Craft: Kid Friendly Lanterns

Dia de los Muertos Day of the Dead craft lanterns DIYAs the Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos approaches my kids are getting more and more excited about it.  We have been reading books and talking about the significance of the day and about the traditions and foods that are eaten for El Dia de los Muertos in Guatemala and in other Latin American countries.

My little guy just loves crafts and he has been eager to do some Dia de los Muertos crafts. These are activities that we can enjoy doing together as a family. First we did some skull boxes and then we made an shoebox altar, idea that we took from a post on Spanglish Baby.  Altars usually include candles but I wanted a safer and kid friendly option for our altar so I would not have to be worrying about things like the house catching fire! I also wanted something that we could have fun creating with the kids.  I love sharing making things with my hands and sharing that with my kids, it’s one of the great things of being a work from home dad.

While looking for ideas on Pinterest I found some Halloween lanterns made with plastic cups and thought I would give those a twist and make calavera (skull) lanterns instead.

Dia de los Muertos Day of the Dead craft lanterns DIY

All you need to make these are some white plastic cups, some LED tea lights (we only found orange ones but I kind of like the warm glow these give the lanterns) and Sharpie markers.

Dia de los Muertos Day of the Dead craft lanterns DIY

We tried two versions of these, one using only the black marker and others using lots of colors, which the kids really enjoyed but I think the black ones better once you put the LED tea light inside.

Dia de los Muertos Day of the Dead craft lanterns DIY

This was not just very easy and quick craft but also affordable as we already had the markers and only had to buy the tea lights and the plastic cups. I also like that these can be used inside or outside and they look great for Halloween as well.

Dia de los Muertos Day of the Dead craft lanterns DIY


Cesar Diaz
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18 thoughts on “Day of the Dead Craft: Kid Friendly Lanterns”

  1. OH AM I HOOKED! My son just got home from school and I showed this to him and he’s hunting for the plastic cups right now. I have lots of LED tea lights and well what mom doesn’t have a Sharpie on hand. thank you for such an easy fun craft!

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  2. This is such a neat idea, I have never done this before but I am thinking about trying it out. It looks like a fun family activity and it lets kids get very creative. Thank you for sharing.!

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  3. I have been following your Pinterest Board… I love the ideas here. These Lanterns are so child friendly and so beautiful. I think my girls will have a ball re-creating these beautifully-frightening faces!
    Happy Dia de Los Muertas!

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  4. These are so cool! they might even replace pumpkins this year in my house. My hate the feel of the pumpkin guts so this is a great way to get their creative juices flowing plus still have scary effect.

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  5. Great idea! I hate it when kids play with candles during Halloween and All soul’s day. Your plastic cup idea would create a spooky feel for the patio. I’d enjoy seeing this more than my children, who are all grown and has different interests now – girls. Hmmp! haha.

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  6. Very creatively artistic and not to mention the material used don’t cost money that much. all you have is your artistic talent and kids will have fun doing this crafty halloween decor

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  7. It´s our first year in a country we can easily find craft supplies! We´re getting ready to make the ofrenda and celebrate our Mexican heritage/remember our loved ones. We´re excited to do this and I am sharing with all of the families at my son´s bilingual day care via social media! Thanks for such a cute idea!

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