Let’s be real for a minute. Between homework, screen time, and everyone’s busy schedules, getting the whole family in one room to do something together can feel like a mission. But what if you could press pause on the digital world and create something awesome with your hands? We’re talking about DIY projects that are more than just crafts—they’re a way to connect with our culture, create lasting memories, and have a ton of fun doing it.

In many Mexican households, family is everything. We gather for big meals, loud parties, and to support each other through anything. Tapping into that energy with some hands-on projects is the perfect way to bond. These aren't your average Pinterest crafts. These are projects infused with tradition, color, and a whole lot of corazón.

Ready to get the family together and make something amazing? Here are a few DIY projects that celebrate our roots and are perfect for involving everyone, from the littlest primos to the abuelos.

1. Master the Art of Papel Picado

There’s nothing that says "fiesta" quite like strings of colorful, intricately cut papel picado fluttering in the breeze. It looks super complex, but it’s surprisingly simple to make your own. This is a perfect activity for a lazy Saturday afternoon and a fantastic way to decorate for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

What You'll Need:

  • Colorful tissue paper (papel de china)
  • Sharp scissors (and safety scissors for the little ones)
  • String or twine
  • A glue stick or tape
  • A pencil for tracing designs

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Fold the Paper: Take a sheet of tissue paper and fold it in half several times. You can fold it like an accordion or just in simple rectangles. The more folds you have, the more symmetrical and repeating your pattern will be.
  2. Create Your Design: This is where everyone's creativity comes in. You can freehand your cuts or draw simple shapes along the folded edges with a pencil first. Think triangles, diamonds, half-circles, and wavy lines. For the classic calavera or flower designs, you can find simple templates online to trace.
  3. Start Cutting: Carefully cut out the shapes you drew. Remember, you’re cutting through multiple layers of paper, so take your time. This is a great job for older kids and adults with steady hands. For younger kids, give them a single folded sheet and safety scissors to snip the edges—it still creates a cool effect!
  4. The Grand Unveiling: Once you’re done cutting, gently unfold the paper. This is the magic moment! You’ll reveal a beautiful, intricate design. Everyone will be excited to see how their cuts turned out.
  5. String Them Up: Take your finished papel picado sheets and fold about an inch of the top edge over a long piece of string. Use a glue stick or tape to secure the fold. Continue adding more sheets, leaving a little space between each one until you have a festive garland.

Hang your creations in the living room, over a doorway, or in the backyard. It’s a vibrant reminder of what you created together.

2. Build a Día de los Muertos Ofrenda

Día de los Muertos is one of our most beautiful and meaningful traditions. It’s a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. Creating a family ofrenda, or altar, is a powerful way to teach the next generation about their ancestors and the importance of memory. This project is less about crafting and more about storytelling and remembrance.

What You'll Need:

  • A small table or a stack of sturdy boxes to create different levels
  • A colorful tablecloth or serape
  • Photos of the family members you are honoring
  • Candles (votive or battery-operated for safety)
  • Marigolds (cempasúchil), real or paper
  • Offerings (ofrendas) like your loved one's favorite foods or drinks (pan de muerto, a bottle of soda, etc.)
  • Personal items that belonged to them (a hat, a pair of glasses, a favorite book)
  • Sugar skulls (calaveras de azúcar) and incense (copal)

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Set Up the Altar: Find a dedicated space in your home and set up your table or boxes to create two or three levels. Drape the tablecloth over the structure.
  2. Involve Everyone in Gathering Items: This is the most important part. Turn it into a family activity. Have each person find a photo of an ancestor they want to remember. Go around the room and share stories about that person. What was their favorite song? What made them laugh? This brings their memory to life.
  3. Arrange the Photos and Candles: Place the photos of your loved ones on the highest level of the altar. Arrange the candles around them. This is a great job for teens and adults.
  4. Add the Flowers and Offerings: Let the younger kids help arrange the marigolds. The bright color and scent are believed to guide the spirits home. Place the food, drinks, and personal items on the lower levels of the altar. Explain to the kids why you are including each item—"This was Abuelo’s favorite candy," or "Tía loved to read this book."
  5. Light the Incense: On the nights of November 1st and 2nd, light the copal. Its smoke is thought to carry prayers to the heavens and purify the space.

Building the ofrenda together transforms it from a decoration into a living archive of your family’s history and love.

3. Craft Your Own Mini Piñatas

Who doesn’t love a piñata? While making a giant, traditional piñata can be a huge undertaking, creating mini ones is a fun, manageable project for the whole family. You can use them as party favors, decorations, or just for a mini candy explosion in the backyard.

What You'll Need:

  • Cardboard (from cereal boxes or shipping boxes)
  • A pencil and scissors
  • A hot glue gun (for adult use) or strong craft glue
  • Colorful crepe paper or tissue paper
  • Candy and small toys for filling
  • String for hanging

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Create the Shape: Draw a simple shape on the cardboard twice and cut both out. Think stars, donkeys (burritos), or even giant letters. For the sides, cut long strips of cardboard about 2-3 inches wide.
  2. Assemble the Piñata: This part is for the adults. Use the hot glue gun to attach the cardboard strips around the edges of one of your main shapes. This will create a 3D form. Before you glue the second main shape on top, don't forget to fill it with candy! Leave a small opening if needed. Glue a loop of string to the top for hanging before you seal it completely.
  3. Fringe Time!: Cut your colorful crepe paper into long strips about 2 inches wide. Then, make small cuts along one edge of each strip to create a fringe. Don't cut all the way through!
  4. Decorate Together: This is the best part for kids. Starting from the bottom of the piñata, glue the fringed strips on in layers. Overlap each layer slightly to cover the cardboard. Mix and match colors to create fun patterns. Everyone can work on a different section.

These mini piñatas are a blast to make and even more fun to break.

Keeping Traditions and Family Close

These projects are more than just a way to pass the time. They are a hands-on way to connect with our culture and with each other. When you’re all sitting around a table, covered in glue and glitter, you’re not just making something—you’re making memories.