BRAVO! Craft Fall 26

Create your own Dia de Muertos Nicho box

Let’s create a Nicho! This type of Central and South American folk art refers to a three-dimensional display box, like a shadow box, featuring a scene, image or item that is special to the person who creates it. They are created as part of a Dia de Muertos ofrenda (Day of the Dead altar) and can be displayed year-round. This craft comes from our Heritage, Culture & the Arts Outreach Program that celebrates Dia de Muertos.

Download the Design Template(PDF, 232KB)

Supplies

• Nicho Design Template(PDF, 232KB)
• Cardstock
• Scissors
• Eraser
• Glue Stick
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Colored Pencils
• Small picture to feature in your box

Optional

• Gems
• Markers
• Paint Pens

Step 1

Print the Nicho template(PDF, 232KB) onto lightweight cardstock and cut out the Nicho frame and shadow box.

Step 2

Color the frame with bright colors and decorate it with your own artwork.
Optional: Add gems or use markers or paint pens to embellish further. Add 3D objects such as paper or plastic flowers, mini figures or trinkets.

Step 3

Fold the box:

1. Fold along all black lines and lay the paper with the folded lines down.
2. Where the X is indicated in the picture, use your glue stick to apply glue to the entire flap.
3. Flip it over and fold these sides inward. Press the glued flap onto the center. Repeat with the other side.
4. With the walls of the box established, use your glue stick to apply glue only on the small X’s. Press the flap to the top of the established paper wall. Do the same with the other flap.
5. You now have a finished paper box.
6. Last step - Glue your picture in the middle.

Step 4

Glue the frame to the box.

Step 5

All done and ready to display! 

Would you like these instructions to be in Spanish? Use the button in the top bar.