Papel Picados

Description: Each student was given two 8 x 10 in pieces of tissue paper. First, we traced a rectangle with pencil to make sure that they would not cut the outside perimeter. See how there is more space on the top of the red one? That part will be folded over later so be sure to leave that space uncut! Then follow these steps closely:

Step 1: Place the precut tissue paper inside of template

Step 2: Lightly trace the dotted line and box onto the tissue paper

Step 3: Fold the tissue paper into thirds (so there are three even sections) like a letter then fold in half hotdog style.

Step 4: Open it up and refold it in half hamburger style

Step 5: Draw small middle design on fold (do not draw go past next fold line) and cut out design

Step 6: Open it up, and fold first small section (there was 6 sections, now there will be 5)

Step 7: Draw and cut out pattern along new fold

Step 8: Open and fold next small section only and repeat step 5

Step 9: Repeat steps 5 and 6 to cut out a pattern on each of the 5 folds

Step 10: Fold the thicker top section (should not have been cut) in half

Step 11: Hang the papel picado on a string and tape the edge so it will not fall off the string

Before teaching how to make papel picados, we went over the importance of them in Mexican Culture and the Day of the Dead. It might also be nice, while they independently work on the second papel picado, to play some cultural music! After you have everyone's papel picado, hang them on a few strings and display them around the room.

Extension Activity: This would be a great activity to go along a Spanish class. You can teach a few words that are significant to the Day of the Dead. Teach the students about sugar skulls and pan de muertos (maybe bring some in for the students to snack on). Or you could celebrate the day in class and have a fiesta!