Papel Picado is the Mexican art of cut paper. Artists use a hammar and chisel to "punch designs out of stacks of layered tissue paper--up to 40 layers thick. Designs can portray people, animals, flowers and lettering. Papel picado made especially for the Day of the Dead include skeletal figures engaging in human activities of the living. Individual banners are strung together to create festive and colorful decorations for the celebration.

To make simple papel picado for the classroom, fold a regtangular sheet of tissue paper in half. Using a pencil, sketch one half of a design on the folded side of the tissue paper. Use rulers to divide the paper into sections. Designs must touch and connect to the other areas of the paper in order to form the shapes on the paper. Shade in the areas to be cut away.

With scissors or a craft knife, carefully cut away the shaded areas of the design. Open the paper carefully.

For more complex designs, fold the paper several times.

Once several banners are made, measure the yard or string to extend beyond the length of the banners. Fold over the top of the banner over the string and glue or tape. Use the banners to decorate the ofrenda.