How to Make a Piñata

A piñata is a papier mâché figure of an animal. They are traditionally found at Mexican celebrations but they've gained popularity outside of Mexico. Piñatas are usually filled with toys and candy and hung in the air for children to smash open using sticks or bats. Find out how to make your own piñata.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• String or yarn
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Candy
• 2 bowls, preferably disposable
• Newspapers and comics
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 14-inch balloon
• 4 cups water
• Tape
• Small toys
• Saucepan

1. Make a bowl of papier mâché paste. Put 2 cups of water on the stove to boil. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 cups of cold water. Pour the mixture into the boiling water in the saucepan and heat the mixture until it boils. Remove it from heat, add 3 tbsp. sugar and mix. Let the mixture cool completely.
2. Pour the papier mâché paste into a disposable bowl.
3. Inflate the balloon and tie the end.
4. Place the inflated balloon into a bowl so that it stays steady while you work with it.
5. Gather some newspapers. Tear long strips from the newspapers (about 1 inch wide and 6 to 9 inches long). Do not cut the newspapers with scissors. The rough edges will ensure a better overall finish.
6. Dip the newspaper strips into the papier mâché paste.
7. One by one, place them onto the balloon and smooth them out. They should overlap.
8. Cover the balloon thoroughly but leave about 2-inch gap at the top so that you can fill the piñata with candy and toys.
9. Cover the leftover papier mâché paste with a plastic wrap so that it does not dry out. If it dries out, you can add some warm water to the paste. Let the balloon dry for 24 hours.
10. Take a long piece of strong yarn or doubled string and wrap it around the bottom of the balloon, pulling the ends up to the top.
11. Tape the yarn to the balloon in a few places and tie the ends of the string together 6 inches above the top of the balloon.
12. Repeat the process of layering papier mâché newspaper onto the dried baloon. If possible, use a different type of newspaper (comics, for example) to distinguish this layer from the last one.
13. Let it dry for 24 hours.
14. Follow this process for two or three more layers, alternating between comics and regular newspapers.
15. Cut a 2-inch square opening on the top, but don't cut all four sides. Cut three sides and leave the flap on.
16. Decorate your piñata with streamers, glitter, colored tissue paper, and ribbons.
17. Fill the piñata—about halfway—with candy and small toys.
18. Tape the flap to close the piñata securely.
19. If possible, play with the piñata outdoors by tying it a tree branch in the yard. Otherwise, you may secure it to the ceiling. Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• You may use glue instead of papier mâché paste.