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It’s October my friends! Not only does it mean that Halloween is just around the corner, but Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is coming up too. Living in San Antonio has given me a special appreciation for this Latino celebration, and when I was invited by Blueprint Social to create a one-of-a-kind project using
Martha Stewart Crafts, I knew I wanted to incorporate this holiday.
Inspired by the traditional Mexican papel picados (I did
another fabric version here) and intricate skull artwork, I’ve combined the two to make a reusable Dia de los Muertos Skull Banner. Continue reading below to find out how to make your own.

I was amazed when I opened this box of Martha Stewart goodies. There was so much great stuff to choose from, but here are the ones you’ll need for this project:
- Stencil film
- Transfer Paper
- Patterning Tape
- Paint Squeegee
- Pearl Opaque Glass Paint in Purple Martin (or your color of choice–it doesn’t have to be glass paint, I just liked this one)
- Adhesive Silkscreens (I used the rectangular one from Doily Lace, and the large and small stencils from Floral Doily
Some additional materials you’ll need include a pencil, cutting tool, temporary fabric spray adhesive, fabric for your banners (I used a thrifted sheet cut into six 10″ x 13.5″ rectangles), your sewing maching, and some ribbon for hanging. Oh, and don’t forget to download my free Skull Outline Template!

To begin, make sure you have your
skull template, and cut out a sheet of the stencil film the same size as your template. Layer your template, transfer paper, and stencil film with the transfer paper in the middle (I also taped down my stencil film to keep it from sliding). Trace the solid lines of the template.
You should have the transfered template on your stencil film, if not go back and trace over any missed lines. Carefully cut along the solid lines, making sure not to cut off the bridges connecting the inner and outer parts of the template.
Spray the back of the stencil with your temporary fabric spray adhesive (it’s important that your adhesive is temporary and for fabric so that it won’t leave any marks on your banner). Carefully adhere it the center of your fabric panel, and get your paint ready!
*A note on the paint–obviously fabric paint would be the best choice for this project, but I chose the glass paint because it was pretty. If you do go with a glass paint, too, I recommend that you set it by ironing the back of your finished piece, and hand clean it only.

Apply your larger stencil over the top outline of the skull, squeeze out a strip of paint, and squeegee it over the desired spot. The adhesive stencil should press right down into the opening over your handmade stencil and create a nice border for your skull.
Make sure you rinse and dry your stencil and then readjust it as needed to finish painting in your skull border. Don’t worry if it doesn’t match up perfectly, each one will be unique. And after you remove the handmade stencil, fill in the little spots the bridges left by creating a border with the stencil tape.
Use your small flower stencil for each of the eyes, and just a section of the rectangular lace stencil for the mouth. Rinse and repeat until you have all the skull panels your heart desires!
Press and sew a 1/2″ hem on the bottom and sides of each panel, and then create a 1″ casing at the top.
Add your ribbon of choice (I used some teal twill tape), spread your panels evenly across, stitch the ends to create loops, and sew the panels in place along the ribbon.
Now go hang up your banner and show off your creation!
I’m so pleased with how my Dia de los Muertos Skull Banner turned out, and hope you’re inspired to make your own, too! Thanks again to
Martha Stewart Crafts for the awesome supplies!
What would you make with Plaid’s Martha Stewart products? Follow Plaid online for more lovely ideas and inspiration:
Check out what other crafty bloggers are making with Martha Stewart Crafts below:
Disclosure: I wrote this post as part of a paid campaign with Martha Stewart Crafts and Blueprint Social. The opinions and the awesome project I shared in this post are my own.
wow, great job! it is so pretty!
Thanks so much Veronica, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
These are so cute! They look really nice hanging as a banner. What a creative idea.
I love this!! Thanks for the free template!
Super cute, Amy! Love it!
Thanks for all the positive comments ladies! It really makes these tutorials fun for me!
This is cute! Im originally from SA but currently living in Utah(military). This project is like a little piece of home:) So glad I found your blog, Ive been enjoying reading it so far! Love your thrifting style:)
Georgette
http://pinkcalaveras.blogspot.com
I'm so glad it reminded you of home! I love SA and can't imagine ever leaving! Thanks for becoming a reader–I can't wait to check out your blog!
Super cute and fun!
Kelly
I've never used stencil film before. Is that something you can re-use more than once?
Ah, I love this! I'm making a banner too, but not as cool as yours. 😉 So glad that we have "met" and I cannot wait to have you at The Southern Institute!
Very cool!! 🙂 Just pinned it.
Seriously amazing! It DOES look like papel picado – what a great idea to use the lace stencil like that.
Yes, the Martha Stewart adhesive stencils are reusable–just make sure to rinse them well. They're great to work with!
Can't wait to see your project and so excited to guest post in your blog!
Thanks Rebecca, I appreciate you helping me get the word out!
Thanks so much Michelle–you made my day!
Oh Amy, I LOVE this project! Using the stencil film in conjunction with the silk screens is BRILLIANT!
That means a lot Wendy, especially coming from you–you're one of my bloggy-mentors you know 😉
I love this! You did such a great job Amy! And stencils are not always easy to work with (even though it seems like they would be) so I am SO impressed! It's so cool!!
Amy this project was just perfect. Thank you for the inspiration and instruction. I love all your tutorials. Here is my take on it: http://mytotstravel.com/blog/bunting-tutorial-dia-de-los-muertos/
This is one of my favorite projects in the MS Halloween campaign! LOVE IT!!
This looks easy enough even for me and I'm a very lazy crafter. I'm doing a link-up of Day of the Dead blog posts. I would love it if you linked up! http://toddlefast.blogspot.com/2012/10/link-up-day-of-dead-activities.html