No, Día de los Muertos has grown into a celebration embraced well beyond Mexico, including many non-Mexican and non-Catholic families in the U.S. We just encourage approaching it thoughtfully. Our About The Holiday page and included guide are designed to help with that.

 Calavera is the Spanish word for skull. In Día de los Muertos art, calaveras are often colorful, decorative, and full of personality.

An ofrenda is a special place for remembering someone who has died. It may include photographs, flowers, candles, favorite foods, and meaningful objects.

No. You can enjoy the sand painting on its own, create it as part of a Día de los Muertos celebration, or place it near an ofrenda.

Yes. Many people include beloved pets in their remembrance and may add a photograph, favorite toy, or other meaningful object.

No. Each design is specially cut into the liner of an adhesive board, so you simply lift one section at a time and add sand to the exposed area. The process is easy to follow, and your color choices make each calavera unique.

Most people complete one calavera in under an hour. A simple design may take as little as 30 minutes, while more detailed color choices and patterns may take longer.

The kit contains four calavera designs, so up to four people can each create one. One person can also complete all four over time.

The kit is designed primarily for ages 14 and up because of its subject matter and detailed process. Younger children may also enjoy it with adult guidance and supervision

Yes. The sand stays securely in place, but the surface can be rubbed or scratched. Display it in the included clear protective sleeve, or let it set for 24 hours and gently dab on glossy decoupage glue with a sponge brush for added protection.

Yes. The sand and other art materials are non-toxic. The wooden stylus has a pointed end and should be used with care.

The colored sand is non-toxic and free from the nine major food allergens. As with any art material, use according to the instructions provided.

A paper or cloth table covering will make cleanup easy. Fold a piece of copy paper in half, reopen it, and place it under your painting to catch loose sand. The crease makes it easy to pour the sand back into its container.

When you’re finished, stack the sand cups and place them in a plastic bag or small storage bin. This keeps the colors together and helps prevent spills.

Additional sand and calavera boards are available separately.

The kit is designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA, with most components made in the United States or Canada. The wooden stylus and box are made in China.

The cardboard box can be recycled where facilities accept paperboard. The sand cups are compostable, and other packaging components should be disposed of according to local guidelines.