alebrijes 1 2209

Alebrijes, familiar to those who have seen the movie “Coco,” are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures—mythical creatures with body parts from varying animals. Making them is a fun way for families to celebrate Mexico’s history and culture for Hispanic Heritage Month, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), or anytime! Use your own alebrijes for storytelling, decorations place settings and more. Originally created by Pedro Linares in the 1930s, alebrijes are often carved from Oaxacan copal wood, but can be made with paper-mache or clay.

Discussion Points for Teachers/Parents

  • Explore myths and storytelling.
  • What other creatures are in familiar myths and stories?
  • Research Oaxacan folk art.
  • Discuss art concepts: sculpture, crafts, symmetry, pattern and color.

Supplies
Air-dry clay*
Acrylic or tempera paint
Paintbrushes
Water cups
Placemat to cover workspace
Permanent or water-based markers

Directions

  1. Pinch off small bits of air-dry clay and form cylinders, spheres and triangles to make body parts. Elongated triangles and circles make ears; large cylinders or ovals make good bodies; make smaller cylinders for legs, and long, thin cylinders (snake shapes) for tails.
  2. Attach parts by gently pressing them into the larger body shape.
  3. Be creative! Any creature is made similarly.
  4. Allow alebrijes to dry 24-48 hours before decorating with paint or markers.

Specific Creatures

alebrijes turtle 2209

Turtle-like creature: Make a sphere by rolling clay to form a ball; similarly, make four small ovals and a longer oval to make the head and legs. Attach parts by gently pressing them into the large ball.

alebrijes dragon 2209

Dragon creature: Make a long, wide cylinder that tapers into a tail at the end. Make backbone spikes by gently pinching clay to form triangles. Shape the head and neck by bending and pressing one end of the body into a rectangle shape. Pinch triangles on top of head to make ears. Note: Rest the head on a small box (or other item) as it dries to prevent sagging. Form four cylinders for feet, bend and shape as desired and press them into the body.

alebrijes rbbit 2209

Long-eared (rabbit-type) creature: Make one large cylinder for the body, four cylinders for the legs and two tapered cylinders for the ears. For the head, press a ball into a triangular shape. Press all parts into the body.

More Ideas

  • Get more design ideas by looking up “alebrijes” or “Mexican folk art” online. Try sketching your creature concepts in pencil first.
  • Glue feathers, sequins, glitter or small gems on to finished creatures.

*The lightest and easiest air-dry clay for this project seems to be Crayola Model Magic or AMACO Cloud Clay.

–––––––––––––––––––

Alyssa Navapanich is a nationally recognized art educator who teaches art to elementary school kids in East San Diego County. She is the author of San Diego Family Magazine’s “Art with Alyssa” column.

––––––––––––––––––

Burlap Bunny Treat Bags

Burlap Bunny Treat Bags

These cute burlap bunnies are fun to create and fill with treats, making them perfect for friends or classmates! Kids can participate in assembling or decorating these treat filled easter decoration . . .

Read more

Bunny & Baby Chick Treat Bags

Bunny & Baby Chick Treat Bags

  Surprise friends, classmates or teammates with festive treat bags filled with candy or snack crackers. Perfect for Easter or any springtime celebration! Materials 8½ x 11” cardstock i . . .

Read more

Fringed Easter Friends

Fringed Easter Friends

Craft some quick, easy and super cute Easter friends with crepe paper rolls!SuppliesSheet of card stock or cereal boxCrepe paper roll(s) in desired color(s)Small scraps of colored paperYarn, buttons . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Easter “Eggs”

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Easter “Eggs”

Combining Easter fun and environmental awareness in honor of Earth Day is a win-win in our eyes. Here are instructions to make DIY Easter “eggs”— a fun and clever way to wrap and hide treats f . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: DIY Easter Treat Baskets

Art with Alyssa: DIY Easter Treat Baskets

Make miniature baskets using simple materials like paper plates, pipe cleaners and markers; then deliver springtime treats to neighbors and friends! Supplies Paper plates, one per basket Marker . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Turning trash into treasure is not only fun, it’s great for the planet. You’ll love this recycled art project that transforms a paper egg carton into a beautiful bouquet of flowers—perfect for . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Creating and maintaining a nature journal is a fun, relaxing and educational activity for children (and adults) that encourages time outdoors and connection with nature. There is no right way to kee . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Earth Monoprints

Art with Alyssa: Earth Monoprints

Celebrate Earth Day by doing an art project at home and participating in local Earth Day events around San Diego. Discussion Points for Teachers/Parents How to take care of the planet—Reduce, . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Create beautiful outdoor art using homemade paintbrushes from plants and items found in nature.Tips for Teachers/ParentsTeach children to respect living plants and only use found or discarded flower . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Supplies Twigs or sticks, 6–12” long Garden clippers Scissors Twine or yarn Variety of grasses, flowers and plants with long stems. (I used buttercup, euryops, geranium, lavender, rosemar . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Paper Bowl

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Paper Bowl

Not sure what to do with all those old magazines? Get creative and turn the pages into paper bowls or coasters! This is a great project to celebrate Earth Day – or just a fun way to spend a lazy a . . .

Read more

Raindrop Drip Painting

Raindrop Drip Painting

We don’t know many kids who can resist jumping in rain puddles. And since we don’t get rain puddles too often in San Diego, it’s a particularly unique and special activity! Why not commemorate . . .

Read more

DIY Instruments for Kids

DIY Instruments for Kids

Get creative and have a festive backyard parade with these beautiful homemade musical instruments! Local artist Emily Dolton shares step-by-step instructions on how to make a Melon Maraca, Citrus Dr . . .

Read more

Smiling Sun Craft

Smiling Sun Craft

Brighten up a spring or summer day with a smiling sun craft made with colorful yarn and glue. This project also makes a festive Cinco de Mayo decoration. Get creative and make your own unique design . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe