No Mexican themed party is a real fiesta without papel picado. Papel picado is a Mexican folk art where designs are cut into paper and displayed for different special occasions.
Professional papel picado is really impressive and can feature different elaborate scenes. Commonly seen designs are skeletons, birds, and flowers for Day of the Dead celebrations. You don’t have to be a pro to make your own pretty papel picado though. Here’s how to do it.
Using colored tissue paper, you’re going to fold and cut different shapes out. It’s similar to making paper snowflakes. You know the ones.
1. Cut a rectangle of tissue paper. 6″x8″ is a good size.
2. Fold the paper in quarters, width wise.
3-4. Make an curvy cut at the bottom.
5-6. Cut shapes into folds. Try folding at different angles to get as much variety as possible.
I like to iron mine with low heat when they’re finished. This smooths the fold lines out nicely.
Use as many different colors and designs as possible!
Use clear tape to attach them to a ribbon or string and hang them like a garland.
That’s it! Now your fiestas will be super authentic. Trust me, I’m Mexican.
Melodrama 