Celebrate Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) by creating a personal nicho. A nicho is a small shadow box filled with items that are special to the person who creates it (small photos of a loved one, a tiny piece of jewelry, a mini toy, etc.).
Discussion Points for Teachers/Parents
- Talk about things you love. What might you want to put in a special place of honor?
- Discuss recycled materials and using found objects to create art, collage and color.
Supplies
- Mint tin or jewelry-size cardboard box
- Scissors
- White glue
- Paintbrush
- Small paper cup
- Special items to put inside (small toy, photos of a loved one, a drawing, etc.)
- Decorative collage items such as buttons, beads, silk flowers, glitter, colorful paper scraps, lace or Washi tape
Directions
- Pour a small amount of white glue into a paper cup. Using a paintbrush, paint the glue on the outside of the box and sprinkle with glitter.
- Once dry, repeat step one for the interior of the box if desired (and allow to dry completely), or line with Washi tape.
- Use glue to adhere flat collage items (paper scraps, lace and photos) to the interior.
- Glue chosen small objects (flowers, toy, jewelry) inside the box to create your display. Overlap with flat items, if you wish.
- Glue desired decorative items (beads, lace) onto the outer edges or corners of the box.
- Once it dries completely, put it in a special place in your home.
Learn how to make a “sugar skull” mask with white cardstock here.
Alyssa Navapanich is an art enthusiast who teaches art to elementary school kids in North County.
