Make Your Own Catrina Doll With Rosie
A Catrina, also known as "La Calavera Catrina," is an iconic and elegantly dressed skeleton woman created by late Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada in 1873. In Mexican culture, Catrina has become a symbol of Día de Muertos, or "Day of the Dead," representing the idea that death is a natural part of life and should be embraced with grace and humor.
As the Fuentes family gets ready for their Día de Muertos celebration, Rosie wants to help set up the ofrenda, which includes the amazing and colorful Catrina doll. However, the Catrina keeps mysteriously disappearing! Rosie and her cousin Javi embark on a mission to bring her back, guided by their resourceful Abuelas' wisdom. You can follow her advice too and make a Catrina doll with almost anything!
The 'ofrenda' is a key part of Día de Muertos. It's like a special altar where we remember and honor our loved ones who have passed away. Families decorate it with photos, favorite foods, candles, marigold flowers, and meaningful items. It's a beautiful tradition that keeps the memories of our loved ones alive.
Invite your child to create their own Catrina paper doll and join in the celebration. With just a few materials, they can craft a Catrina like Rosie's. It's also a chance to share stories about loved ones who have passed and learn about this meaningful Mexican tradition.
Materials
Directions
Start by using the cardboard to create La Catrina's dress. To make it easier, trace a circle the size of a large plate. Invite your child to help trace the circle with a pencil or markers, and don't worry if it's not perfectly round. After tracing, cut out the circle, and then cut it in half. This half-circle will become La Catrina's dress. Let your child decorate it with their favorite patterns and colors.
Once the dress is decorated, apply glue to the straight edge of the half-circle. Shape it into a cone and hold it for a moment to ensure it sticks together. If needed, you can use a stapler to secure it.
Use the tip of the pencil to create a couple of holes at the top of the cone. These holes will be used to thread the pipe cleaners, which will serve as La Catrina's arms. Cut the pipe cleaner in half (7 inches) and invite your child to help thread it through the holes. Let them position the arms in different ways, allowing them to choose their favorite pose for La Catrina.
Now, it's time to decorate La Catrina's face. Take the foam ball and make a hole at the bottom using the pencil. This hole will help attach it to the pointed top of the dress (the cone). Once it's perforated, use the markers to create her small and colorful face. Encourage your child to use different designs to make each one unique. When finished, apply glue to the hole and attach it to the top part of the cone to complete La Catrina's head.
For the hat, use the tissue paper. To make it sturdier, fold the tissue paper and trace a circle using the base of the dress as a reference. Cut it out with scissors. Once you have the circle ready, apply glue to the top of the doll’s head and in the center of the circle. Stick them together; this forms the top of the hat. Ask your child to curl the edges of the circle to create waves in the hat.
To finish, have your child make small tissue paper balls that will appear like flowers, and glue them around the hat and dress. This adds the final elegant and colorful touches to your Catrina, making it ready to adorn the Día de Muertos altar.
Explore Further
Throughout this creative process, take the opportunity to share stories about loved ones who are no longer with us and share with your child about why this is a meaningful tradition. It's a wonderful way to bond and celebrate Día de Muertos together.
Want more “Rosie’s Rules” activities? Make papel picado or arch with flores de papel to continue the fun!
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Arts