

In this joyful and faith-filled art project, children explore the Catholic teaching of Memento Mori—“Remember your death”—as a way to reflect on the promise of eternal life and the importance of praying for those who have gone before us. Students begin by folding a piece of paper in half and drawing half of a skull shape along the fold to create a symmetrical skull when it’s cut and opened. Once the skull is complete, they use bright colors, bold patterns, and simple shapes to decorate, inspired by the beauty of Day of the Dead sugar skulls.
To make their artwork uniquely Catholic, children add faith-filled symbols such as crosses, hearts, flowers, and other reminders of God’s love and everlasting life. These meaningful details help reinforce our Catholic identity and the hope of the Resurrection.
Through this creative and reflective activity, young artists learn that remembering death isn’t something to fear—it’s a way to celebrate the gift of life and the joy of heaven!
This project takes about one 50 minute session to complete.
Literacy Connection: New Friends Now and Forever: A Story about the Holy Souls by Susan Tassone
Be sure to grab the free PDF for this project that includes the supply list, templates, Theology guide & more by clicking below:

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Here is how it all came together:

Fold the white paper in half vertically. Line the straight edge of the skull template (if using) to the folded edge of the paper. Trace the template with a black crayon and cut out while the paper is still folded.

Using a black paint stick or oil pastel, draw two circles for eyes and an upside down heart for a nose. Use a black crayon to draw a smile about half way in between the nose and bottom of the chin.

You can leave the mouth with just a single line, or you can add small repeating “hills” above and below the line for teeth. Use a paint stick (or oil pastel) to add colorful patterns and designs.

Consider adding images like the Sacred Heart of Jesus or Immaculate Heart of Mary or even a simple cross to emphasize the Faith and focus on heaven after death. Add details with oil pastels.

On the back of painted paper or on colored paper, draw large organic shapes for flowers and leaves and cut out.

Add details with oil pastels. Arrange the flowers and leaves and glue to the background along with the skull. Trace the Memento Mori card and glue to a border colored paper and attach to the back of the paper if you’d like to have this label as a reminder!
Be sure to grab the free PDF for this project that includes the supply list, templates and Theology guide by clicking below:

Let us know what you think! If you made this project, please tag us on Instagram @littleholyhearts
We'd love to see what you make!
This lesson is just one of many from our video-based art club that shares solidly Catholic art classes (taught by me!) that teach about the Faith AND fun and engaging art techniques: The Little Holy Hearts Art Club. Click HERE to learn more!


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And my mission is to help you transform art time with kids into meaningful moments that help their love for Christ and His Church shine in their art and in their hearts!


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