Making Flowers

Yesterday while I was at Alejandro's house, his sister Sandra was beginning to prepare the "ofrenda"... the altar which families have in their homes for the Day of the Dead in remembrance of departed family members.  This year's "ofrenda" will be of special significance since it will include for the first time a picture of Alejandro and Sandra's mother who passed away in January.  Last year they had a relatively small altar set up on the credenza in the dining room.  This year they are talking about creating something larger in the courtyard of the house.

I have mentioned that the marigold is the traditional flower for the Day of the Dead.  They have already bought a couple potted marigold plants for the "ofrenda", but yesterday Sandra was making marigold blossoms out of crepe paper.  They turned out amazingly life-like.  (Also notice the Day of the Dead tablecloth on the dining room table.)