"Sugar Skull" Makeover Tutorial



Inspired by the Mexican Sugar Skull tradition, this version is a plain plastic skull turned into a work of art. It's part of Skull Surgery Makeover Week!



After making the golden Skull Desk Accessory to hold my Sharpies, I turned around and put them to use on my next skull project...



 Simply start with a plain plastic dollar store and make sure it's clean - no oily spots that will spoil you work. 


 Although this skull is more of a cosmetic makeover than a 'surgery,' you will definitely want to check out the ones involving power tools. 



 You may decide you want to upgrade your Sugar Skull with one of the surgeries the others received over at the Creepy Craftorium to become a planter or a pencil holder.



 Looks like this guy is pretty happy with his makeover without surgery. Let's take a closer look:


All you need is a range of colored Sharpies. Notice how colors and patterns can be amplified and seem more ornate by adding lots of dots.



Use each area of the skull as an opportunity for a new design element.



Some of my cheap skulls did not have a nice jawline, but the black sharpie filled it all in very quickly and beautifully. 


 Don't they make a lovely team?










Skull Surgery Makeover Week:
Day 1: Welcome to the Creepy Craftorium 
Day 2: Skull Planter Tutorial {great hostess gift}
Day 3: Golden Skull Desk Accessory Tutorial 
Day 4: pause for the Wildly Original Linky Party
Day 5: "Sugar Skull" Makeover tutorial {you are here}
Day 6: Glowing Skull Night Light ~ Phantastic Photos!
Day 7: Glowing Skull Light Tutorial




{I host a linky party every Wednesday. More info *HERE.*  I'm sharing Sugar Skull Makeover from Skull Surgery Week with these fine folks, whose links open on ~ Sunday:  Sew Darned CraftyI Should Be Mopping The FloorMaking Monday MarvelousBrassy AppleCraftomaniacAlderberry HillUnder the Table & DreamingMaking the World Cuter ; MondaySkip to my LouCherished Bliss, The Rustic PigSugar Bee Crafts ; TuesdayNot Just a HousewifeCarolyn's HomeworkElizabeth & Co., The DIY DreamerTip Junkie's Tip Me TuesdaySavvy Southern StyleWhat we Wore & MadeUncommonGingersnap CraftsThe NY Melrose FamilyToday's Creative Blog ; WednesdayI Gotta Create! ,  All Star Block PartyThe 36th AvenueLive-Laugh-RoweHandy Man Crafty WomanThe Trendy Treehouse ; ThursdayScissors & SpatulasMy Repurposed LifeFrugal GirlsShabby Nest,  Romantic HomeFrench County CottageStuff & Nonsense ; FridayFunky Junk InteriorsHappy HourAnything GoesFinding FabulousMy Simple Home LifeTatertots & JelloThirty Handmade DaysOne Creative Mommy ; SaturdayBe Different Act NormalA Bouquet of TalentTutus & Tea PartiesSix Sisters Stuff, Sew Country ChickDIY ShowoffPositively Splendid , Nifty Thrifty Things}


Join me Wednesdays at 7pm CST for
the Wildly Original Linky Party!

5 comments:

Danni@SiloHillFarm said...

I am so trying this! How fun! Your's looks great!

Unknown said...

I LOVE the beautiful colors in this one!!! I totally want to make one!!! I know my boys would love to make one too!!! Thanks so much for sharing these fabulous skulls at Creatively Tuesdays at The Rustic Pig. You are very creative!!! :) Hugs!!

Unknown said...

We love having you at Whimsy Wednesdays!!! I have to share this on Google+

Kelly at Smart! School {House}

Unknown said...

I love this one and the colors you used. You are so creative. I just love your awesome blog and great ideas. Thank you so much for sharing again this week at A Bouquet of Talent. The new party should be up very soon. HUGS

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness that it so cool! The colors are awesome! What a fun project. :)

I love that pillow! All of it is great, actually. What a fun Halloween house! I'd love to have you link up with my party at The Southern Institute! Do you have a sec to come by and link up with us? Here's the link: http://thesoutherninstitute.com/2012/10/creative-me-linky-party-7.html/

Follow along to! I think you'd enjoy the blog!

Jenny