Party Planning Guide: How To Make a Pinata
When party planning for this holiday season, remember that a piñata makes an excellent addition to a birthday party, Christmas party or Mexican-themed fiesta! Involve children in the process of making a piñata as this is a great way for them to have fun, get dirty and be creative at the same time. Follow these easy instructions for making (and breaking) a party piñata.
Step 1: Prepare the Newspaper and Balloon
Cut newspaper into 1-inch strips and blow up balloon to desired size.
Step 2: Make a Paste
Mix 2 cups of flour and 3 cups of water together, stirring thoroughly until it makes a consistently smooth paste.
Step 3: Cover Balloon with Paste-covered Newspaper Strips
Dip each strip of newspaper into the paste until it is completely covered. Stick the strips onto the balloon one at a time until the balloon is completely covered, except for a hole at the top large enough to drop candy and/or toys into.
Step 4: Dry and Layer Twice More
Allow the pasty newspaper to dry completely. Then add another layer completely covering the previous layer. Allow to dry completely once again before applying a third and final layer. Dry.
Step 5: Remove the Balloon
Once the final newspaper layer has dried, pop the balloon and remove it. You should have a hollow, hard sphere ready for decoration.
Step 6: Make a Handle
To make a handle to hang your piñata from, punch two holes several inches apart on the top of the balloon. Run a string through each hole, tying together to form a loop.
Step 7: Decorate Your Sphere
Traditionally, piñatas were in the shape of stars, but you can turn your piñata into any shape you would like, such as an animal. To make a star, roll a piece of paper into a cone. Staple, glue or tape to hold the cone to the right shape and cover with colored crepe paper. Attach several cones on your sphere to make a star-shaped piñata. To make an animal, use empty toilet paper or paper towel cardboard rolls covered with crepe paper for legs and/or neck. Heads can be made from scrunched up paper glued together to form a shape resembling a head.
Step 8: Add Candy and Cover the Hole
Fill your piñata with candy and other surprises. Cover the opening on the top by either stuffing the top full with newspaper; or stapling a piece of paper over the hole.
Hang up your piñata and take turns smacking it with a bat, stick or sword!
