Crepe Paper Catrinas Craft Tutorial with Cardboard Plates

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These colorful crepe-paper Catrinas make a cheerful Día de los Muertos decoration from simple, easy-to-find craft supplies. Each one is built on a cardboard plate, decorated with glitter foam shapes, and finished with crepe-paper flowers and a layered paper dress. The project is suitable for beginners and families, and it’s a fun way to create personalized decorations for an altar, doorway, or window.

Why You’ll Love This Project

This is a low-pressure craft for anyone who wants to make festive decorations without needing crochet stitches, special equipment, or a large collection of supplies. The cardboard plates provide a ready-made base, while the crepe paper and glitter foam make it easy to add color and personality. Beginners can follow the steps as written, and more experienced crafters can experiment with different shapes, flower colors, and dress details.

Making three Catrinas also gives you the chance to create a coordinated display. You can repeat the same palette for a matching set or give each figure its own look. The work is divided into manageable tasks—shaping the plates, decorating them, making flowers, and attaching the paper dresses—so you can pause between stages. That makes the project enjoyable for a relaxed afternoon of crafting or a seasonal activity with family.

“I made a set with different flower colors for each Catrina. The steps were easy to follow, and the paper dresses gave them such a festive look. They made a lovely decoration for our Día de los Muertos display.”

How the Project Comes Together

You will make three decorative Catrinas using three cardboard plates. First, you shape the lower sides of each plate with two curved cuts. Then you decorate the plate with glitter foam shapes. Accordion-folded crepe paper becomes the flowers, and additional crepe-paper strips form the dresses, which are attached to the back of each plate with silicone adhesive.

This is a paper craft rather than a crochet pattern, so you do not need a crochet hook, yarn, or stitch knowledge. The main techniques are cutting, folding, arranging layers, and gluing. The project is beginner-friendly, but a steady hand helps when cutting matching curves or placing small decorative shapes. The time needed will depend on how detailed you make the designs and how quickly the adhesive sets; allow extra time if you are making several figures or adding many layers.

Materials You’ll Need

For the three Catrinas, gather:

• 3 cardboard plates
• Crepe paper in several colors
• Glitter foam sheets in several colors
• Orange ribbon or thread
• Silicone adhesive
• Scissors

Choose colors that suit your display. Bright combinations create a lively, festive effect, while a limited palette can help three figures look coordinated. Keep small offcuts of crepe paper and foam for flower centers or extra decorations.

The instructions call for silicone adhesive. Use it according to the product label and work in a ventilated area if the product requires ventilation. If using a hot-glue gun, an adult should handle it, or closely supervise children, because the nozzle and glue can cause burns. Ordinary craft silicone may also need more time to dry, so avoid moving the pieces until they are secure.

A pencil and scrap paper can be useful for planning the curved cuts and arranging decorative shapes before gluing, though they are optional. No yarn or crochet hook is needed for this design.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Shape the cardboard plates.
   Place each plate face up and decide where you want the lower portion of the Catrina to sit. Make two curved cuts along the lower sides of each plate to give it the intended shape. Cut gradually and keep the curves smooth. If you want the three figures to look similar, use the first plate as a guide when trimming the other two.

2. Decorate each Catrina with glitter foam.
   Cut the glitter foam into assorted shapes and arrange them on the face of each plate. Use several colors to create bright, decorative designs. Before applying adhesive, lay out the shapes without glue to check their placement. This makes it easier to balance the design and avoid covering areas you want to keep visible. When you are happy with the arrangement, attach the shapes with silicone adhesive and let them set.

3. Make the crepe-paper flowers.
   Stack several layers of crepe paper. Fold the stack back and forth in an accordion pattern, keeping the folds reasonably even. Tie the center securely with orange ribbon or thread. Gently separate and open the layers one at a time until the folded paper forms a flower. Crepe paper can tear if pulled sharply, so ease each layer outward with your fingers rather than tugging from the edge.

4. Prepare three flowers for each Catrina.
   Repeat the folding and opening process until you have three flowers for each figure. You can use matching colors for a coordinated flower arrangement or choose a different mix for each Catrina. If one flower looks fuller than the others, adjust the layers gently before attaching it.

5. Attach the flowers to the upper edge.
   Arrange three flowers along the upper base of each Catrina. Check their spacing and direction before gluing. Once they are positioned as you like, secure them with silicone adhesive. Support the flowers while the adhesive sets so they do not slide or flatten.

6. Make the crepe-paper dresses.
   Cut many strips of crepe paper in the colors you want for the dresses. Arrange the strips to create a full skirt or layered dress, then attach them with silicone adhesive to the back of each plate. Apply the adhesive to the plate where the strips will sit and press the paper into place gently. Avoid soaking or heavily coating the crepe paper with glue, as it can wrinkle, tear, or show through.

7. Check the back and let everything dry.
   Turn each Catrina over carefully and check that the dress strips are secure. Add adhesive only where needed. Set the figures flat or support them in a position where the flowers and paper strips will not be crushed. Follow the adhesive label for drying time before handling or hanging the decorations.

8. Display your finished Catrinas.
   Use the completed figures to decorate an altar, door, or window. Make sure the surface or hanging method can support the decorations, and keep them away from open flames, heat, and moisture. You can use whichever colors you like and create your own designs.

Ways to Use Your Finished Catrinas

These Catrinas are designed as decorative pieces, so they work especially well as part of a Día de los Muertos display. Arrange the three figures together on an altar, adding other decorations around them while leaving enough space for their crepe-paper flowers and dresses to remain visible.

You can also place them on an interior door, a wall, or a window where they can be seen without being exposed to rain or damp air. For a window display, check that the adhesive and attachment method are secure and that direct sunlight will not quickly fade the paper. They can also be used as a centerpiece backdrop for a seasonal gathering or as a handmade decoration to give to someone who enjoys festive crafts.

Because crepe paper and cardboard are lightweight and delicate, these Catrinas are best used indoors. They are not intended as toys or as items to handle frequently, especially if they include small foam pieces or a hot-glue attachment.

Keeping Your Catrinas Looking Their Best

These decorations are made from paper, cardboard, glitter foam, ribbon or thread, and adhesive. They are not washable. Water can soften the cardboard, damage the crepe paper, loosen glued details, and affect the glitter foam. If dust collects, remove it gently with a dry, soft brush or a clean, dry cloth. Avoid rubbing the surface, because crepe paper can tear and glitter can shed.

Keep the Catrinas away from humidity, spills, heaters, and direct sunlight. Heat may soften adhesive, while sunlight can fade bright paper colors over time. Since the project uses paper and adhesive, keep it well away from candles and other open flames.

For storage, place each piece flat in a dry box with clean tissue paper between the decorations. Do not press heavy objects on top, as they can flatten the flowers or crease the dress strips. If you need to store them upright, choose a container that supports the cardboard without crushing the delicate decorations.

Helpful Tips for Success

• Plan before gluing. Arrange the foam shapes and flowers on the plate first. A quick dry layout makes it easier to spot uneven spacing and adjust the design.
• Use the first plate as a template. If you want a matching set, use the first pair of curved cuts as a visual guide for the remaining plates. Small differences are fine, but a template helps keep the silhouettes consistent.
• Cut in small stages. It is easier to remove a little more cardboard than to fix a cut that goes too far. Turn the plate as you cut so you can follow a smooth curve.
• Handle crepe paper gently. Accordion folds should be neat, but they do not need to be pressed extremely hard. Open flower layers slowly, working from the outside inward.
• Secure the flower centers. Tie the middle of each accordion fold firmly enough to hold the layers together. Keep the knot or tie compact so it does not make the flower center bulky.
• Use adhesive sparingly. Too much adhesive can soak into crepe paper, make it look uneven, or leave visible marks. Apply only enough to hold each piece in place.
• Let adhesive set between stages. Moving a figure before the glue has firmed up can shift decorations or pull the paper dress loose. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions.
• Protect your work surface. Silicone adhesive can be difficult to remove once dry. Cover the table and keep scissors and adhesive away from the edges where they could be knocked over.
• Make a display plan. Decide whether the Catrinas will stand, lie flat, or hang before finishing. The source instructions do not specify a hanger or stand, so you may need a separate display method appropriate to the place you choose.

Creative Variations

A simple way to personalize the set is to give each Catrina a different color palette. Try one with bright pink and orange flowers, another with purple and yellow details, and a third with a mix of all the colors. Repeating one or two colors across all three figures can still make them feel like a coordinated group.

You can also vary the glitter-foam shapes. Use large pieces for bold designs or small shapes for a more detailed look, making sure the pieces remain securely attached. Different flower colors and crepe-paper dress combinations can change the overall mood without changing the basic construction.

For a fuller-looking dress, add more crepe-paper strips or arrange them in additional overlapping layers. This will use more paper and may make the decoration bulkier, so ensure the plate can support the added weight. A smaller number of strips creates a lighter, simpler skirt. You can also make the three figures different heights visually by adjusting the length of the dress strips, but the basic plate size remains unchanged.

Choose a seasonal palette to suit your display, or make a matching set for a celebration. Avoid adding heavy embellishments that could pull on the cardboard or cause the flowers to sag. Since the materials are paper-based, any added decoration should be lightweight and attached securely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this project beginner-friendly?

Yes. The steps use simple cutting, folding, arranging, and gluing rather than crochet stitches. Beginners should take their time with the curved cuts and handle the crepe-paper flower layers gently to avoid tearing them.

Do I need a crochet hook or yarn?

No. Despite being presented as a craft project alongside crochet patterns, these Catrinas are made with cardboard plates, crepe paper, glitter foam, ribbon or thread, adhesive, and scissors. A crochet hook and yarn are not part of the materials list.

How many flowers does each Catrina need?

The instructions call for three flowers on the upper base of each Catrina. Since you are making three figures, prepare nine flowers in total.

What can I use if I don’t have orange ribbon?

The instructions allow orange ribbon or thread. Use whichever you have available, keeping it strong enough to hold the accordion-folded paper at the center. A different color may change the flower’s appearance, but it will still serve as the tie.

How do I keep the crepe-paper flowers from tearing?

Open the layers slowly, separating one layer at a time with your fingertips. Avoid pulling from the outer edge or unfolding all the layers at once. If the paper is thin, use several gentle movements rather than one strong pull.

Can I hang the Catrinas on a door or window?

The instructions suggest decorating doors and windows, but they do not include a specific hanging attachment. Choose a secure method suited to the surface and the weight of the finished piece. Keep the decorations indoors and away from dampness, heat, and open flames.

Can I wash these decorations?

No. Water can damage the cardboard, crepe paper, adhesive, and glitter foam. Remove dust with a soft, dry brush or cloth, and store the finished Catrinas in a dry place.

Can I sell Catrinas made with these instructions?

The source instructions do not state whether finished items may be sold. Check the original designer’s usage terms before offering finished pieces for sale.

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