You start out with a plain gaudy Halloween decoration from Walmart or Target. I found this last year for 2$ and just knew it could become something special.

At this point you'll want to look up some sugar skull designs you like, or sketch out your own. I suggest planning a little ahead since it can get messy if you have to keep wiping the paint away while you're drawing on the skull.

Some sites that are good for designs...

http://www.mexicansugarskull.com/mexicansugarskull/

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1y2denoviembre/pool/

http://www.flickr.com/groups/mexicanfolkart/pool/

Plan out your design and then slow and steadily begin to lay out the image on the skull. I start from the eyes and work out.

At this point you can use tweezers and craft glue to attach the jewels to the black felt eye sockets or leave them plain, which ever you prefer. I allowed this to dry for about 20 minutes before I tried to move it at all.

It's simple, colorful, and a quick/fun project.