First items for my Dia de los Muertos Altar

I am participating this year in an art exhibit for the Day of the Dead, (Dia de los Muertos.) Those participating are creating Altars (Ofrendas) to honor friends and family members who have died. Mine is going to be to honor my parents. I have never created an Altar so I had to do a lot of research, I wasn't even sure I would know what to do. Thanks to the miracle of the internet, I've learned so much about this holiday. I am honored to participate, and feel very fortunate that I have the opportunity. I've started to gather items for the Altar, I went to a great little import store here in Sacramento today, Zanzibar Trading Co. and purchased a few little things. Paper flags, a Day of the Dead wedding couple, a tin heart, and a small statue of Guadalupe. I am also creating paper marigolds, so far I have 18! Marigolds are traditionally included, since my altar will be showing for a month, I didn't want to use fresh cut marigolds, although I may purchase a small plant. Here is a photo of my marigolds and the few little items I've gathered. I am really excited to see how this all comes together! To learn more about Day of the Dead, Wikipedia has some good info. Or do a google search, it is lovely!

Other news, I have been honored with a creative blog award! Kathleen Harrington has picked me!! Now I must pay it forward. More on that tomorrow! Be well my friends... Tj.