Shoebox day of the dead altar

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Day Of The Dead Altars Shoebox. Copyleft derivative and combined works must be licensed under specified terms, similar to those on the original work

Shoebox day of the dead altar

DIY Day of the Dead Shoebox Altar Discovering the World Through My from discoveringtheworldthroughmysonseyes.com

Copyleft derivative and combined works must be licensed under specified terms, similar to those on the original work

DIY Day of the Dead Shoebox Altar Discovering the World Through My

Copyleft derivative and combined works must be licensed under specified terms, similar to those on the original work Copyleft derivative and combined works must be licensed under specified terms, similar to those on the original work

Shoebox day of the dead altar

Shoebox day of the dead altar

In celebration of Dia De Los Muertos {Day of the Dead} many build Altares {Altars} in honor of their loved ones who have passed. I wanted my children to be involved and decided to do our own mini altar in a shoebox.

An altar is a space used to place all the wonderful things that remind you of those who have passed. It consists of pictures, candles, flowers, treats, and of course yummy foods.

They are considered offerings to the dead who come to visit us on this one magical day.

Shoebox day of the dead altar

To make your own Day of the Dead Shoebox Altar you need:

–Shoe-box- any size

–Paper or wrapping paper to cover your box

–Pictures of passed loved ones

–Items loved ones enjoyed- remember anything counts as an offering

–Candles

–Tissue for flowers- optional, but flowers play a big part in the decor of an altar. You can also use fake flowers.

–Adhesive to stick all your goods

Shoebox day of the dead altar
Shoebox day of the dead altar

To build your altar:

1- Wrap you box in paper. It’s nice to use bright colors perhaps even colors your loved ones liked.

2-Place your pictures. It’s best to adhere them to the inside wall of the box.We used Popsicle sticks to create frames. It was a nice touch to decorate.

3. Place any other decor. We used wooden crosses, religious saint pictures and lots of hearts and gems.

4. Add other treats and foods. Anything from chocolates to chips to real food.

5. Lastly add some non-lit candles and make some tissue paper flores, flowers, follow the tutorial below. 

Shoebox day of the dead altar

Using anywhere from 4-6 pieces of tissue paper (5×5 squares) fold the tissue in accordion form.

Fold in half and cut the edges as you would like your flower round or pointy- either works.

Tie the middle of the fold with wire or elastic anything that will create a strong hold.

Once tied start pulling apart the tissue one side at a time and one tissue at a time.

Work slowly and carefully as tissue paper does tear easily.

After all the tissues have been pulled apart on both sides shape your flower by making all separated tissue face one way.

Shoebox day of the dead altar

Here’s the story behind our own Altar:

My Nana and Tata were my grandparents.

My Tata always had a sweet tooth. You could always count on him to share his stash of bite sized Butterfinger chocolate bars.

My Nana was a curandera. She constantly smelled like Vicks Vapor rub. That’s what she used to sobar, massage, the sick.

She also loved to eat Dorito chips.

The clothes-pin represents both my grandparents. My Nana would hang clothes on a clothes line my Tata made in the back yard. When the clothes pins would break my Tata would always fix them. My Tata was quite the handy man.

The religious crosses represent their faith. The picture of the Saint is one both my grandparents believed in. He continues to be sacred in our family.

Feliz Dia De los Muertos!!!!

Have you downloaded your printable Calaverita yet? Go here to download and to find out how you can win $100 by sharing your kid’s Calavera personalized art! Follow all our Day of the Dead art, crafts, recipes and more here!

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What is on a traditional Day of the Dead altar?

In the homes, family members honor their deceased with ofrendas or offerings which may consist of photographs, bread, other foods, flowers, toys and other symbolic offerings. Altars may contain all hand-made items or ones that have been purchased.

How long do you leave Day of the Dead altar up?

The altar usually stays up until November 3, though sometimes they are left for a few more days. Ideally, an altar has seven tiers or steps (symbolizing the route to heaven), each decorated with different trinkets and symbols.

What is the significance of the altar on Day of the Dead?

Day of the Dead altars are built during Dia de los Muertos to honor the lives of those who have passed. They are often quite beautiful creations, constructed with love and care.