These mini matchbox books are so darned cute!  We will have fun celebrating the Aztec/Mexican Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), a multi-day holiday honoring the lives of departed loved ones. In spite of the seemingly somber topic, it is a celebration that honors the dearly departed with joy and often humor! New this year: Winter Solstice-themed options!

In this 2.5-hour workshop, you can create several matchbox books to use as collectibles, ornaments or gifts!

Several options of printable eight-page mini books are provided in the pdf handouts; just print out the pages you want:

• Three Day of the Dead versions 
• One Our Lady of Guadalupe version
• Three Winter Holiday versions (including Solstice, Winter Gnomes, and Madonnas in Art) 
• Two blank book versions that you can design yourself to honor a specific human or furry loved one for Day of the Dead, or for any other topic desired.

We will assemble the mini book and cover, and decorate the matchbox to put it in!

Most of the instructional information will be covered in the first portion of the workshop. In the second half I will answer questions and provide individual help while everyone happily creates together—stay as long as you like, a recording will be available for those who must leave early or can’t attend live. 

The healing power that our group generates with our creativity will have long-lasting effects on our own wellbeing and on our planet!

OPTION! Do you prefer to just watch the live event and create your projects later while you watch the recording? That’s fine! Everyone will get bonus adult coloring pages with a Day of the Dead theme, so you can watch the workshop while you enjoy coloring, and then create your project on your own time.

  Basic supplies needed: 

(Additional details are available in the download you get after you sign up.)

Standard matchboxes (see matchbox in top photo on this page)

For painted versions: acrylic paints (in colors of your choice), brushes & sponge for painting

For collaged versions: decorative papers and/or fabric scraps and Mod Podge 

Any embellishments desired such as:  rhinestones, stickers, fabric flowers, ribbon roses, beads, washi tape, old jewelry, embroidered ribbons, rick-rack, lace, charms, wood shapes, glitter T-shirt paint.

Basic craft supplies and tools such as scissors, glue, ruler, etc.

If you have participated in my previous Day of the Dead workshops in previous years, any leftover supplies from those may come in handy!

Note:  If you prefer to just watch the live workshop and create your project later,  that’s fine, too! If desired, you can color in one of the images in the bonus downloadable adult coloring book using Prismacolor pencils or other media of your choice.

 WHAT YOU GET:

1. A 2.5-hour live workshop with Meryl Ann and other awesome creative participants during which you will see clear demos, have questions answered, and create several adorable mini matchbox books (or you can just watch and create later!) The workshop will be recorded for those who cannot attend the live workshop or for attendees to review later.
2.   A  pdf download of templates, patterned papers, foldable mini matchbook book inserts, and instructions, including a set of bonus Day of the Dead coloring and activity pages, IS INCLUDED IN YOUR REGISTRATION FEE!  Be sure you can open pdfs on your device.  —You will need access to a printer, either during the workshop or before or both. If your home printer isn’t friendly with card stock or if you prefer not to use your own color ink,  local office supply stores can print your selected pages. If printing at home, you will need your own paper and/or card stock. This download includes bonus adult coloring pages with a Day of the Dead theme suitable for coloring in with Prismacolor pencils, markers or other media! Feel free to enjoy coloring while you attend the workshop if you plan to decorate your shrine later.
3. And you’ll have a fun and relaxing respite with a great group of creative souls! Studies have shown that just 45 minutes of creative arts activity lowers stress, enhances sleep, reduces both high blood pressure and cortisol, and increases endorphins!

Registration Form

If you want to find out more about the popular “Day of the Dead” holiday before or after the workshop you can watch the movie “Coco” and/or enjoy this 4-minute music video, “Calaverita” by La Santa Cecilia