After the sugar skulls have dried it's time to have some FUN with them...
the traditional way to decorate is to mix the meringue powder with powdered sugar, water and dry, powdered food coloring. Mix with an electric mixer for 10 minutes then put in pastry bags and use different shaped tips to create your designs.
The sugar skull mold I used was fairly small and all those steps to make the frosting didn't agree with my 'instant gratification' attitude. I found that glitter glue pens work REALLY well....I also tried painting gesso on one skull and had some very interesting results. It started reacting with the sugar...'I'm melllllltinnnnggggg'...and the glitter glue ate into the surface. The effect is this bumpy texture and embossed design.
I love it!
So, there you go....grab some pens and just go crazy!
I'd love to see yours....maybe they will be part of your Dia de Bloglandia celebration....drop me a comment if you are going to participate....only 1 week to go!
OOOOoooo
I love them-thank you for sharing and always inspiring
love shelley
<3
Posted by: shelley | October 26, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Que padre! A mi me gusta su trabajo mucho. Gracias.
Posted by: Jenny F | October 26, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Oh Stephanie....these are fantastic nestled into your marigolds! Love the glitter glue idea - so sparkly and festive. They will look great on your alter! Thanks for the great tutorial! fran
Posted by: Fran Meneley | October 26, 2008 at 10:29 AM
They're cool ! Do you think it is possible to make one without using a mold ?
Posted by: Steph | October 26, 2008 at 11:05 AM
They are beautiful and look so fun. Thx for sharing.
Posted by: glorv1 | October 26, 2008 at 12:49 PM
YAY!!! one week to goooooo until dia be bloglandia!!! i can't wait!!! i've been super busy in my studio getting everything ready for dia de los muertos. i usually have an altar for this very special occasion, but this year i'll be sharing photos with you!!! so very exciting!!! i've been experimenting with painting plastic skulls that i found at michael's (gesso then acrylics and glitter) we'll see how it'll all turn out. thanks so very much for this wonderful tutorial, have a beautiful week!
Posted by: jennlui | October 26, 2008 at 03:27 PM
They are stunning!! I ordered the molds, but have a feeling that I won't get them in time to play this year, so I plan to create some imitations. I'll let you know how they turn out!
Posted by: rachel whetzel | October 26, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Hey Stephanie!!!
It been so long since I've commented. I haven't forgotten you.
How wonderful these skulls are!! I love the photo of them all lined up on the table.
Perfect for Dia de bloglandia!!!
Posted by: karen cole | October 26, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Stephanie, these sugar skulls are awesome! I'm completely dazzled. I also love the box/altar your created.
I am beginning my birthday/Halloween/DoD celebration over at Commuter's Journal. I know we're waiting until Nov. 2, but since I'm doing this in multiple postings, I thought I'd check in with you to see how to link this. Your advice is much appreciated!
Posted by: JeriAnn | October 27, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Fascinating - I've never seen how these are made before. Thank you!
Posted by: Paris Parfait | October 27, 2008 at 01:05 PM
oh yes ! like the pens and glitter I.G. idea much much better !
These are deliciously beautiful
And that BANNER - Gorgeous.
Posted by: Art Tea Life | October 27, 2008 at 07:47 PM
I like the bottle caps flared and cut that way...so many little details I am peering at. Thanks for TUTORIAL ! Whatcha gonna do with that many heads , hmmmm ?
Posted by: Art Tea Life | October 27, 2008 at 07:48 PM
whoa girl - these are scullerific!
settled into the woods with mine
what a glorious golden fest we had
thanks for the tutorial
and the inspiration
xox - eb.
Posted by: eb | October 27, 2008 at 08:26 PM
Great tutorial. Do you mind if I feature it in my blog?
Saludos,
Yoli
Posted by: yoli | October 28, 2008 at 12:24 AM
Love these! I also loved the tutorial.
Posted by: Vickie | October 28, 2008 at 05:48 AM