How to Craft a Beautiful Day of the Dead Nicho for Your Pet
Craft a heartfelt nicho or home altar using simple materials like cardboard, felt, and adhesive foam to honor your pet's memory this Dia de los Muertos.
Creating nichos, or home altars, is a cherished tradition in Mexican culture. These small, decorative spaces honor saints, departed loved ones, and even beloved pets.
This year, inspired by Kira, Elba Valverde's sweet dog who recently passed away, we’re putting together a special nicho for Dia de los Muertos. Creating a home altar for her has been definitely a touching way to keep her memory alive and is a touching reminder of the bond shared with her during almost 17 years.
We’re excited to use materials like cardboard, cans, and other recycled items to make a vibrant and joyful nicho that will bring a smile for years to come.
Check out the easy step-by-step tutorial below!
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MATERIALS:
Recycled cardboard
Recycled sardines or tuna can
A special photo. It can be an illustration too!
Acrylic paint
Brushes
Craft glue and hot glue
Scissors
How to Create a Day of the Dead Nicho for Your Pet:
Prepare the Sardine Can:
Begin by thoroughly washing and cleaning the sardine can to remove any residue. This will ensure that the can is ready for crafting and free from any odors.
Create the Cardboard Shape:
Choose a cardboard shape for your nicho. We went with a heart shape, but you could select a traditional rectangular or square shape, or even something unique like a house or star. The cardboard shape should be larger than your sardine can—aim for about 11 x 11 inches to ensure ample space for decoration.
Cut Out the Shape:
Trace the silhouette of the can in the center of the heart shape. Then, trace another heart shape of the same size on top of that. Use an x-acto knife or scissors to carefully cut out the shape.
4. Paint the Cardboard:
Apply acrylic paint in your chosen color to the heart-shaped cardboard. Use a brush to apply 2-3 even coats, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next. This will give the background a vibrant, polished finish.
5. Decorate the Nicho:
Cut out decorative shapes and designs from adhesive foam, such as hearts, raindrops, and petals. Add gem stickers as well, or beads. Arrange them creatively around the nicho, and include your pet’s name in the center if desired.
6. Use a Pipe Cleaner for Detailing:
Outline the entire nicho shape with a pipe cleaner to hide the cardboard edges. Secure it in place with hot glue for durability.
7. Cut Out Your Pet’s Photo:
Carefully delineate and cut out the outline of your pet’s photo to create a 3D effect in your nicho.
This step adds a personalized touch, making your tribute both unique and visually striking.
8. Decorate the Can:
Trace the can’s shape onto adhesive foam using a pencil. Cut out the foam and glue it inside the can. For a vibrant Mexican nicho style, consider using glittery adhesive foam for extra sparkle.
9. Line the Can with Felt:
Measure the height of the can and cut a rectangle of felt that is 1 inch wider. Glue the felt strip inside the can. Then create fringe cuts with the excess felt hanging outside for a playful design.
Repeat this process for the outer lining to ensure consistency.
For reference and more details, check out the image below.
10. Attach the Photo:
Add medium-sized pom-poms or folded pieces of cardboard inside the can to create a 3D effect.
Glue your pet’s photo on top of these elements.
11. Assemble the Nicho:
Join the decorated heart-shaped cardboard and the lined can together using a generous amount of hot glue.
Your beautiful nicho or home altar for your pet is now complete and ready to be displayed in your favorite spot for these special occasions.
You can either add a hole and hang it on the wall of your home or place it on a piece of cardboard and display it on a table for Dia de Muertos.
Creating a nicho or home altar for your beloved pet is not just a craft project; it's a meaningful way to honor their memory during special occasions like Dia de los Muertos.
May it bring comfort and warmth to your heart as you celebrate their life and cherish the memories.
We love you, Kyra. March 2008 - July 2024 🪽
Enjoy crafting your nicho and honoring your beloved pet with this heartfelt project!