How to Make a Pinata

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Make a Pinata

Although traditionally associated with Mexican culture, the origins of the pinata are actually rooted in China. Used today worldwide as a favored party pastime, pinatas are typically made of straw, clay or papier-mâché and shaped as cartoon characters, animals or superheroes. Children who are blindfolded and spun around underneath the pinata try to break it open with a bat or stick. When they do, candy falls out for everyone to enjoy! Here's how you can make your very own party pinata.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Newspaper
Water
Papier-mâché paste or white glue
Large balloon
Decorations: paint, crepe paper, streamers, stickers
Papier-mâché paste or white glue
Large balloon
Cardboard
Wax paper
Water
Large mixing bowl
Newspaper
String

Prepare Your Supplies

Step 1

Gather your supplies on a newspaper and wax-paper-covered flat working surface.
Step 2

Tear 30 to 40 newspaper pages into sections that are 1-inch wide and 6- to 8-inches in length.
Step 3

Stir in water with your papier-mâché paste in a large mixing bowl. If you don't have papier-mâché paste, simply mix two parts white glue with one part water. Stir with a rubber spatula until well mixed.
Step 4

Blow up your large balloon until full, tie it off and set it aside.

Make Your Pinata

Step 1

Dip the newspaper strips one at a time into the glue, covering them completely on both sides.
Step 2

Spread each newspaper strip around the balloon until it is covered. Be sure to leave a space around the knot of the balloon that will later be filled with candy. Allow this first layer to dry for several minutes.
Step 3

Repeat the layering process two more times, allowing each new layer to dry thoroughly.
Step 4

Pop the balloon with a pin once your newspaper has dried completely.
Step 5

Decorate your pinata using paint, crepe paper, stickers and whatever else your heart desires. Be sure to paint first, allowing the paint to dry before gluing on your streamers and other decorations.
Step 6

Poke four holes in the top of the pinata near the candy hole. Insert string into these holes and pull through to hang the pinata securely.
Step 7

Fill your pinata with candy and cover the hole with glue and crepe paper or a piece of cardboard cut to fit the hole precisely.

Comments

sanriorox96 said

Flag This Comment

on 7/8/2008 Is a part a cup?

on 7/8/2008 is a part a cup?

kwelte57 said

on 5/5/2008 One note, After a layer of papier-mâché has been added to the ballon, Then you can tie a strong string around the ballon that comes out at the top, ensuring that the unit is balanced. Then put remaining papier-mâché on. This can be used for hanging later and it will dramatically increase the weight bearing limit of the project.