How to Make a Clown Piñata

Piñatas are papier-mâché sculptures that are filled with candy. They can be made in various animal or cartoon shapes and hung from a ceiling or tree for children to hit with a stick. When the piñata breaks open, everyone scrambles for the candy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Markers
• Wrapped Candies
• Masking Tape
• Papier-mache Pastes
• Brushes
• 2 Balloons
• Scissors
• Streamers
• Cardboard
• Newspaper
• Poster Paints

1. Tear long and short strips of newspaper.
2. Make papier-mâché paste.
3. Blow up one balloon 10 to 12 inches in diameter and a second balloon 5 to 6 inches in diameter.
4. Begin with the larger of the two balloons, which will form the base of the clown.
5. Drag a long strip of paper through the paste. Wipe off excess with finger.
6. Place the strip on the balloon at an angle.
7. Repeat steps 5-6, placing each strip so that it slightly overlaps the one before it. Repeat this process until the balloon is covered except for a 3-inch section at the top.
8. Let first layer dry, then apply a second layer of strips at opposite angles to the first layer. Add three, four or more layers in this manner, always letting one layer dry before adding another.
9. When last layer has dried, puncture the balloon and pull it out.
10. Using the smaller balloon (head of clown), apply the paper strips in the same manner described for the base of the clown, leaving an open space at the top of about 1½ inches.
11. When last layer has dried, puncture and remove the balloon.
12. Place wrapped candy in the base of the clown.
13. Cover the opening of the head with short strips of paper and place the head on the base with the short strips of paper hanging down.
14. Tape the two pieces together using masking tape.
15. Apply long newspaper strips to secure both pieces together, pressing the strips into the space between the two sections.
16. When papier-mâché has dried, paint the base of the clown whatever color you choose.
17. Paint balls on the front of the clown outfit in another color.
18. Make a ruffle around the neck with a streamer folded like a fan.
19. Make eyes, nose and mouth with markers or paint.
20. Cut hands and feet out of cardboard, paint and paste to the clown.
21. Let everything dry and hang piñata.

Tips & Warnings

• Use five or six layers of papier-mâché for the piñata.
• Use more than six layers to make it more difficult to break.
• Avoid using unwrapped candy, which might stick to papier-mâché, making it unhealthy to eat.