Traditionally seen at Mexican celebrations, piñatas can make any kind of party a smash – and even better, they’re fun to make! If you don’t mind literally getting your hands dirty, a piñata can be a great papier mache project for birthday parties, holidays and school projects. Find out how to make a piñata!
What You’ll Need
First of all you need to get set up. Make sure you have a clean area to start, like a kitchen table or desk. Remember, this is one craft where getting gloop on your hands (and all over the place!) is part of the process.
Materials:
- Newspaper
- String
- Glue
- Balloons
- Flour
- Water
- Mixing bowl
- Decorative tissue and/or paint
- Optional: Confetti, Candy, Cardboard
Instructions:
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First put down some newspaper on your work area. Mix together flour and warm water in a big mixing bowl until the mixture is a gloopy consistency...just like pancake batter!
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Blow up a balloon as big as you can (you may even want to get your parents to help you). Cut or tear newspaper into strips.
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If you want to make a piñata that’s a little more complicated, like a donkey or a rabbit, use cardboard and tape to add ears, legs or whatever you need to your balloon.
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Now for the fun part! Dip and drag the strips of newspaper through the paste and cover your balloon. Add additional layers, letting each layer dry in between - if you make it too thick though it makes it hard to break, so two or three layers is usually enough.
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Between layers tie your string or rope around the piñata with enough string leftover that you can hang it afterwards. The papier mache will hold it in place. It may take a while for your piñata to dry so you might want to start cleaning up and even go do something else before coming back to your art space.
Psst! Here’s a handy trick: if you leave the tie of the balloon uncovered, it can make it easier to pop the balloon once it’s dry so you can fill it with confetti or small candies!
It’s Great To Decorate
Once your piñata is dry you can decorate it any way you want! Traditional Mexican piñatas used decorative tissue cut into squares and layered with glue to create a fun fringed effect! You can also simply paint your piñata with whatever design you dream up – your piñata could be a planet, a person, a pet – it’s up to you!
Give your pinata time to dry between adding layers
Make It and Break It!
Last but not least, pop the balloon and fill your piñata with candy, confetti or whatever you can fit. Then it’s time to invite people over to take their best shot! Don’t forget to take a picture of your work of art, because it’s sure to be a smash.
Still a little puzzled on how to make a piñata? Check out this vid!
Have Your Say!
Would you like to make a piñata? If so, what would it look like? Let us know in the comments section below!
