A super-easy craft for Halloween or Day of the Dead: painted stone skulls!
Day of the Dead skulls are a popular symbol for Día de Muertos (a Mexican holiday where people gather to remember friends and family who have passed away). The decorative skull symbol (often made of sugar), along with marigolds are used to honour the dead.
Inspired by Red Ted Arts’ (Sharpie) stone skulls, I decided to paint some for the boys. And add some sparkle (of course)!
To make painted rock Day of the Dead skulls, you will need:
- rocks in the (general) shape of skulls
- acrylic paint
- brushes
- old newspaper and overalls (acrylic paint can stain)
- OPTIONAL: glitter, sequins and ModPodge
How to make painted rock Day of the Dead skulls:
- Make sure you have anything precious (table, caarpet, kids) well covered before starting
- Paint a white skull shape on your stone and leave to dry
- Add your skull’s features (traditionally an upside down heart for a nose and lots of marigolds, plus spider webs), but you can choose to make them as pretty (or scary!) as you like.
- OPTIONAL: add a layer of Mod Podge and add glitter and/or sequins for added sparkle!
If you enjoyed this painted rock Day of the Dead skulls craft, you might want to follow my Day of the Dead board on Pinterest for more fun ideas!
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'Rock painting: Day of the Dead skulls' have 21 comments
September 11, 2014 @ 10:29 pm Tarana
That’s an interesting tradition, and these painted rocks look great!
September 12, 2014 @ 11:01 pm Hodge Podge
Thanks Tarana! 🙂
September 12, 2014 @ 8:40 pm Jenny
These are so cute, we love painting rocks! We’ve had fun with the Day of the Dead too.
September 12, 2014 @ 11:07 pm Hodge Podge
Thanks Jenny! I LOVE your styrofoam skull prints 🙂
September 19, 2014 @ 2:05 am 10 awesome Day of the Dead crafts for kids
[…] Painted stone skulls I enjoyed painting some cute rock skulls this year and added some sparkle with glitter and sequins to give to my boys as […]
September 23, 2014 @ 1:22 pm Sylvie Roy
I love these! I’ve always been a rock lover since I was a little girl, and my oldest daughter is showing signs of being the same at 2 years old, so I get a little bit excited when I see crafts like this. I need to get clicking around and read your other rock-painting posts. #pintorials
October 9, 2014 @ 8:25 pm Hodge Podge
Thanks Sylvie! You can’t beat a good rock… 😉
June 4, 2016 @ 5:22 am Richard
I really love this idea I have been doing this myself with slate style rocks broken in to small stones so I can carve the shape then I use a soldering iron for eyes nose cavity and mouth then paint them in. people like you keep the creative minds trying new things keep up the great work
September 24, 2014 @ 12:39 am Nichole {youclevermonkey}
These look fantastic! I do love a good rock painting post 🙂
#pintorials
October 9, 2014 @ 8:27 pm Hodge Podge
Thanks Nichole! 🙂
October 18, 2014 @ 1:44 am HappyCampers
Hey…check out Mom’s Got Ink on FB. She stole your photo from this post and didn’t give any credit or links.
October 19, 2014 @ 10:46 pm Hodge Podge
Thank you so much for letting me know – I find it so rude when people steal images and/or content. I am always happy for people to use a photo of mine as long as they link back and credit.
October 21, 2014 @ 11:57 pm 9 Ways to Celebrate Day of the Dead With Kids | 9 Ways to Celebrate Day of the Dead With Kids | Social Dashboard
[…] sugar skulls last by painting these pretty symbols onto rocks. Over at Hodgepodge Crafts, they painted the details onto small stones in acrylic, then added glitz with glitter and sequins. […]
September 22, 2015 @ 2:05 am 7 DIY toys for kids - Hodge Podge Craft
[…] week I am linking up my Day of the Dead rocks which are fun and super easy to make (plus, you can add glitter and sequins if you want […]
September 25, 2015 @ 11:22 am Jennifer Grace
These are so fun! We like painting stones, and I know my daughter will want to try these designs. Especially with the added sparkle! I have pinned this! #pintorials
September 25, 2015 @ 2:55 pm Hodge Podge
Thanks Jennifer – one can never have too much sparkle! 😉
September 27, 2015 @ 4:12 pm Su {Ethan & Evelyn}
What a fab idea for upcoming Halloween! 🙂 #pintorials
October 5, 2015 @ 10:58 am Hodge Podge
Absolutely Su!
October 7, 2015 @ 9:13 am Michelle
These are fab! I really love the design and style of Day of the Dead skulls.
Thanks for sharing on #CraftyOctober xx
June 4, 2016 @ 2:52 pm pattie h
I love rock painting. There is a paint stick that you can buy that makes the project easy and clean. I tried to post picts of my rocks but don’t know if it appeared. Anyway these are super and the kiddos will love them.
October 29, 2018 @ 5:33 pm Susan Stecz
I wish I could be there to help—will the kids be having refreshments/treats that I can bring in?