Part of my new Halloween collection and some of my Spoonflower prints were inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration, Dia De Los Muertos.
I've always found it fascinating, and love the vibrancy and celebratory nature of it. I would love to go there and see it in person one day. But for now I'll have to make do by filling my own home with bright colours, skeletons and cacti!
I recently decided to makeover our fireplace to make it as fun as possible (there will be a blog post on that when it's finished!). Part of that is filling it with lovely things from other makers. Here's a list if you'd like to know where some of these bits are from:
Skeleton Wall hanging by me, Chimps Tea Party
Red skull and cactus cocktail cups from Shakers and Makers
Ghosts from Studio Arhoj
Felt Flower Wall Hoop by Hayley Victory
Felt Cactus by Little Egg Design
Below, I've gathered some of my favourite products from other small businesses, and a couple of things from my collection that would easily add a little Day of the Dead style to your living room.
1. Corazon Pompom are makers of beautiful and colourful punch needle art, like this amazing cactus one. They also make some really cute Frida Kahlo inspired pin badges!
2. While this isn't strictly Day of the Dead themed, this super colourful quote print by Happy Stuff Studio fits in so well! Those colours are just perfect.
3. This bright pink handmade skeleton wall hanging is part of my new collection at Chimps Tea Party. It is printed with skulls on the back too!
4. Learn to embroider and make yourself something beautiful to hang on the wall with this kit from Pixels & Purls. The bright colours of the sugar skull design on the black background are perfect.
5. This cute little crochet cactus by In Rainbows would look so nice on a mantlepiece. And it definitely wouldn't hurt as much as a real one!
6. Beautiful screen printed cushion by Leonie Flower Studio. It's printed with a colourful Mexican papel picardo design, and would brighten up any sofa.
7. Another piece from my new collection at Chimps Tea Party. Colourful sugar skull wooden coasters that will brighten up your coffee table. The design was made from a paper collage.
8. Viva Los Muertos hand makes these amazing lampshades and cushions using fabric imported from Texas.
9. Okla sell lots of colourful Mexican decorations and garlands, like this Papel Picardo one, and the garland above my fireplace in the main image.
So now you've decorated, all that's left to do is to sit down with a cup of spiced hot chocolate and watch Coco. (If you haven't seen it, you should!)
Want more Inspiration?
If you want to read more about Dia De Los Muertos, there's a great article by the National Geographic here.
You can see the rest of my skeletons and halloween collection here.
Or have a browse of my Day of the Dead themed Pinterest board here.