DIY Day of the Dead Ornament Tree

2 min read September 13, 2026 Haeley Giambalvo
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Are you familiar with the colorful skulls that are a common decoration for the Day of the Dead holiday? In Mexican and Spanish cultures, each skull represents a loved one who has died. Their name is written on a sugar skull decorated with colorful icing and placed on an altar to be honored by family members. Check out how the Day of the Dead mantel turned out, and read on to see how easy these ornament trees are to make!

Project Time
120 to 130 min
Difficulty
Experienced
Step
1

This project is fun because it incorporates a little adult coloring! Grab your Sharpies and get creative decorating these Color Your Own Day of the Dead Ornaments. Once you’ve colored them, loop through the hanger and tie in a knot. Trim as needed.

DIY Day of the Dead Ornament Tree step 1
Step
2

I also incorporated these foam Day of the Dead Ornaments into the tree. Just peel and stick on the embellishments. So easy and fun!

DIY Day of the Dead Ornament Tree step 2
Step
3

Head outside and find some small branches that could hold the ornaments. You can spray paint them white if you like.

DIY Day of the Dead Ornament Tree step 3
Step
4

I added each branch to a black bottle vase and hung with the ornaments. I put an ornament branch on each side of my mantel.

I love how this Day of the Dead mantel turned out! You can find all the mantel details here, along with my tutorial for the Day of the Dead wreath!

DIY Day of the Dead Ornament Tree step 4

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