During Sra. Gretter's Spanish crafts unit last year, we loved the process one of our students used to create an alebrije. First, she found a 3D file of her animal online and used the 3D printer to build a plain plastic model of the animal, about 6 inches tall. She then used a mix of acrylic paints and sharpie markers to create beatufiul, bright colors and patterns to cover the white plastic. The result was a wonderful representation of a spirit guide and looked just like the beautiful sculptures you can find in the Oaxaca region of Mexico. 

While we don't have access to 3D printers while at home, we have found a few ways you may be able to make your own alebrije. From coloring pages to sculpting your own, we hope you enjoy making your own spirit guide - and be sure to share your photos with us!

Find an old wooden or plastic toy from around the house and use that as a base for your spirit guide. 

Materials Needed: Small wooden or plastic toy (not fabric or a stuffed animal) -  remember to check with your parents that they are fine with you painting this toy! - acrylic paint, paintbrushes, optional sharpie markers, glitter or puff glue, or stickers to add detail

Survey your old toy box and find a plain wooden or plastic toy you no longer need. Check with your family to make sure it is okay to use this for your new project. You can also purchase blank animal forms at a craft store or on Amazon. 

Lay out a work space by covering a table surface with cardboard or newspaper.

Gather art supplies (paints, decorations, etc)

Sketch your alebrije. Make a quick drawing and color it in to give yourself a guide for how you will approach painting or decorating the toy.

Create a base coat of 1-3 colors on your animal and let it dry. 

Add decorative elements using a smaller paintbrush, or dot on colorful glues or glitter, or use stickers (especially for eyes)? 

Once your alebrije is fully dry, place it in a place of honor as you've given it a new life!

Watch these series of videos to learn how to sculpt your own spirit guide from scratch. 

The full watch time of these videos is about 1 hour, but you are stepped through the entire process.

Step 1: Forming The Body Shape

Step 2: Adding Special Features (like ears or wings) 

Step 3: Papier Mache the outside of your project

-Let Your Sculpture Dry-

Step 4: Painting Your Alebrije 

Materials Needed: Newspaper, Tape, a little wire (decorative wire or even an old coat hanger that can be cut with wire clippers), papier mache mix or homemade paste, paint and paintbrushes. Possibly some extra features like plastic eyes.