Alebrijes Workshop: Tradition, Imagination, and Cardboard Magic
- #Jazzysdesign
- Oct 10
- 3 min read
With Cardboard… ✨ Made with love + tradition! ✨
This month, I have the joy of hosting two Alebrijes Workshop, where creativity meets cultural heritage in the most colorful way. Participants will learn how to transform everyday materials — cardboard, recycled paper, and adhesive (Mod-podge)— into vibrant paper maché creatures inspired by the fantastical world of Alebrijes.
A Tradition Passed Down
I learned the traditional paper maché process from my mother, who is from Mexico 🇲🇽. She taught me the patience, care, and joy that come with this craft. For us, it’s more than an art form — it’s a generational tradition rooted in creativity, imagination, and storytelling. Now, I share that same process with others, keeping our cultural practices alive through community art-making.
The Inspiration Behind Alebrijes
Our inspiration comes from Pedro Linares, the Mexican artist who first dreamed of Alebrijes in the 1930s. In his visions, he saw fantastical animals — dragons, donkeys with wings, roosters with horns — all painted in vivid, impossible colors. These creatures became a beloved symbol of Mexican folk art, representing imagination, spirit, and transformation. During the workshop, we explored how Alebrijes connect us to dreams, identity, and heritage, and how every handmade piece carries a unique story.
The Process
Participants began with recycled cardboard and paper, learning how to shape and layer materials to form their own imaginative creatures. Step by step, they built armatures, applied paper maché paste, and watched their creations come to life. Once dry, we moved on to painting and decorating — adding bursts of color, intricate details, and personal touches. Each Alebrije was a reflection of its creator — whimsical, bold, and full of character.
Community + Creativity
Sign-up: The workshop operates on a "Pay What You Wish" basis, with a minimum fee of $5 per session. This flexible pricing ensures accessibility for all participants.
Session 1: Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM. Begin crafting your Alebrije using aluminum foil, craft wire, cardboard, and newspaper. Participants are encouraged to bring their own materials from home to repurpose. Milagro Theatre
Session 2: Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM. Complete your Alebrije by decorating it with colored tissue paper and paint. Take your creation home to display on your ofrenda
#Alebrijes #PapierMacheArt #MexicanArt #PedroLinares #RecycledArt #HandmadeMagic #CulturalArt #TraditionAndCreativity #CommunityArt #CardboardToMagic
Alebrijes Creations & Workshops by Jazzy’s Design
Join Social Media to view details, close-up, DIY, and more!! Instagram, Facebook, Youtube
DIY Alebrijes Workshop Announcement: Jazzy invites followers to join a two-day, all-ages Alebrijes workshop at Milagro Theatre. The first session focuses on building your own magical creature, while the second session involves decorating it with vibrant colors.📅 View Post
Alebrijes Workshop Recap: A glimpse into the creative process during the Alebrijes workshop, highlighting the transformation of materials into imaginative creatures.📸 View Post
DIY Kit Cart Project: Jazzy shares a DIY project where she designed a cute paletero-cart from scratch, showcasing her crafting skills.🎥 View Reel
Calico Critter Piñata Tutorial: A tutorial on creating a Calico Critter piñata, demonstrating Jazzy's versatility in crafting for kids' parties.🎥 View Reel
Local Portland Shops:
Inspired by an Alebrije-themed book, Linda Letra crafted a Capybara Alebrije for their space—a cute, cultural nod to traditional Mexican folk art.
Celebrates bilingual creativity: view post
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