How To Make a Pinata

There are many ways to make a piñata, using different shapes and figures. Below is a simple technique even beginners will have little trouble following.

How to Make a Cinco de Mayo Piñata

Required Tools and Materials

White glue
Red, green and silver ribbons
A 12 inch balloon
Newspapers
Scissors
Knife
Candies
Trinkets
Masking tape
All-purpose flour
Papier-mâché paste
Straight pins

Step 1

Begin by folding 6 sections of a newspaper in half. Roll each section into a cone shape. Fasten it with masking tape. The cones have to be roughly the same size.

Step 2

Slice the bottom of the cones. Inflate the balloon (if t isn’t already). Tie it.

Step 3

Cut the newspaper into 2 inch pieces. Dip a piece of the newspaper piece into the paste. Apply the newspaper pieces all over the balloon. When you make a piñata, this process may take only a few minutes or awhile. If the balloon is large, it will take a long time to cover.

Step 4

When the balloon is fully covered with paper, put a paper cone over the balloon. Cover it with more paper wet with the papier-mâché paste. You’re going to use these strips to stick the cone onto the balloon.

Step 5

Stick all the cones to the balloon using the same procedure. Allow the paste to dry completely.

Step 6

Pop the balloon with a pin. Make a small cut at the top (just off the center). Make similar holes on all the cones.

Step 7

After you make a piñata, put in some candies, trinkets or toys.

Step 8

Slice the ribbons or tissues into 2 inch pieces. Note: you can use other colors other than the ones listed here.

Step 9

Fold one tissue lengthwise. Do not make a crease.

Step 10

Create some cuts along this folded part. Make the cuts about ¼ of an inch apart. Do not slice it up to the open edge.

Step 11

Ensure the paper is folded and glue the open part on the piñata. Make sure the fringed edge is oriented to the floor.

Step 12

When you make a piñata, it must be completely covered with the tissue or ribbons. Add them from the bottom to the top. Imagine you are putting down shingles.

Step 13

To make the tassel for the star, cut 6 inch long ribbons. The usual color is silver, red and green. Put tissue over the tassel’s ends to keep them together.

Step 14

Hang it up.

Tips and Warnings

If you don’t have any prepared papier-mâché paste, mix flour and water in a container until all the lumps dissipate.

You can use any type of paper; newspaper is the most commonly used, but other options are writing paper and computer paper. Make sure you put several pieces of newspaper under the workplace. If you don’t, a lot of paste and glue could end up on the floor.

To make a piñata, all you really need are newspapers, balloons and some paste. By adding some colorful ribbons, your piñata will stand out.

A Piñata is a brightly, coloured container made of cardboard or similar material that is used to hold candy, toys or trinkets.  It is usually suspended from a rope while blindfolded children try to burst it by beating it with sticks in order to get whatever is inside.  This custom is associated with Mexico but has become very popular around the world at birthday parties and other celebrations.  If you are planning a party especially one for children, the following instructions will guide you into making one of your own.

Materials

• Newspaper                                                                                                       
• 2 cups flour
• 3 cups water
• Balloon
• 2 bowls (1 big enough to hold balloon)
• Spoon
• Blank sheets
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• Paint
• Crepe paper
• Markers
• Candy, toys, trinkets
• string

Tools

• Knife

Instructions

1. Prepare work surface with a layer of newspaper as this is a rather messy project.
2. Tear several pages of newspaper into strips.
3. Mix the flour and water in the bowl until it forms a thick glue-like paste.
4. Inflate the balloon and rub on a little cooking oil so the balloon will be easily released from the paper later on when you pop it.  Place the balloon in a bowl to prevent it from rolling while you workSoak the newspaper strips in the flour mixture.
5. Place the strips all over the balloon leaving just a hole at the top.
6. Set the balloon aside to dry.
7. After that layer has been dried, add another layer of newspaper and allow to dry.
8. After this layer has been dried, add yet another layer but this time use blank sheets so as to facilitate better paint coverage for decoration. Let it dry until it is stiff and no longer wet or sticky to touch.
9. Pop and remove the balloon through the opening at the top.
10. Paint the piñata with vibrant colours. Use markers to draw a face on the piñata. Glue colourful crepe paper and let them hang from the piñata to make it more appealing.
11. Fill the piñata with candy, small toys, trinkets or any other fun surprises.
12. Use a knife to make two holes at the top of the piñata.
13. Run a piece of string through the two holes which will be used to hang the piñata in the air.
14. Tie your finished piñata in the air and let the fun begin!

TIPS

• It is best to tear the paper that you will be using than to cut with scissors as the torn edges will adhere to the balloon and give a smoother finish.
• Each layer may take up to 24 hours to dry so always cover your left over flour paste and place in the refrigerator to prevent spoiling.  If it gets dry, add a little hot water.
• It is best to use a round balloon to make a piñata.