Imagine opening a matchbox and finding a grinning skeleton dressed in a suit or hat, surrounded by bursts of glitter and color.

These little shrines are not only fun to make, but they also carry a deeper meaning.

Creating them is like crafting a miniature altar, one matchbox at a time, to celebrate joy in remembrance.

Materials Needed

• Empty matchboxes
• Acrylic paints in bright, festive colors
• Mini clay or wooden figurines (skeletons or calaveras)
• Glitter, sequins, or metallic markers
• Hot glue gun or craft glue
• Optional: tiny embellishments like fabric scraps, beads, or charms

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Paint the outside and inside of each matchbox with bold colors, reds, blues, yellows, and pinks give a lively feel.

Step 2: Create your skeleton figurines using clay or wooden pegs, then decorate them with painted flowers, hats, or clothing details.

Step 3: Glue the figurines inside the matchbox as the centerpiece.

Step 4: Add glitter around the frame or paint ornate borders inspired by Mexican folk art.

Step 5: Let everything dry before arranging them together in a cluster.

This way, they become a collection of shrines that shine brighter as a group.

Tips:

You can use each box to represent a different personality or story, perhaps one with a musician skeleton, another as a bride, and another as a painter