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.