How to Make a Unicorn Pinata

Unicorns are an important element in parties with a fairytale theme.

Pinatas are a fun way for children to get involved in birthday, Halloween or other party planning. The process takes several days because each layer must dry completely before the next is applied. A unicorn is one of many shapes or characters that can be turned into a pinata with a large center body for stuffing. The unicorn can be decorated in the colors of your choice to match any party theme.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Flour or white glue
• Sauce pan
• Masking tape
• Yarn
• Typing paper
• Tissue paper
• Paint
• Construction paper

Instructions

1. Rip waste wrapping paper or newspapers into narrow strips. Strips should between a 1/2 inch long and 1 inch wide, but this does not need to be exact. It is important that the strips be ripped and not cut.

2. Mix the papier-mache paste. This can be made my mixing three parts white glue to one part water, or by mixing one part flour to five parts water. When making the flour-water paste, mix the ingredients in a sauce pot and bring to a boil. Allow the mixture to remain at a rolling boil for three minutes. Whip with a wire whisk while boiling to eliminate any lumps.

3. Blow up a large balloon. Use a balloon with a diameter of 14-inches or more. The larger the balloon, the larger the main compartment of the pinata will be.

4. Dip a news paper strip into the cooled papier-mache paste. Run the strip between two fingers to squeeze off the extra paste.

5. Spread the strip over the surface of the balloon so that it is smooth and well stuck. Repeat the process cover the balloon with strips of paper. The strips should all run in different directions so that they interlock and overlap. Make sure that the entire balloon is covered with no sections of latex exposed.

6. Allow the first layer of papier-mache to dry at least 24 hours. Cover the papier-mache paste with saran wrap to prevent it drying out while the pinata dries. If the paste is too dry when you are ready to add the next layer, add a little water and stir until it is the correct texture.

7. Run a double layer of nylon cord or heavy yarn around the middle of the balloon and use masking tape to tape it to the to the balloon at multiple points. Leave the ends of the string on top and leave them long. These strings will be used later to hang the pinata.

8. Wrap the balloon with a second layer of papier-mache. Dipping strips in the paste, and wrapping them around the balloon in multiple directions. Make sure to cover it completely.

9. Use masking tape to attach the details. Use wadded up newspaper, wrapped in masking tape to shape the neck, head and muzzle. Tape toilet paper rolls on the bottom of the balloon to form the four legs. Roll a sheet of typing paper into a long skinny cone and tape it to the head to for a the unicorn's horn.

10. Cover the whole pinata with a second third and fourth layer of papier-mache. Allow each layer to dry before attaching the next. Make sure that joints are well covered so that they look like they form one whole unicorn body, rather than looking like isolated pieces.

11. Put a final layer of papier-mache over the whole pinata using strips of white typing paper rather than newspaper. This will make the pinata easier to decorate. Allow it to dry out completely.

12. Cut a 2-inch flap in the top of the pinata. Cut a 2-inch square loose on three sides so that it can be opened and closed like a door. This is the opening through which you will stuff the pinata.

13. Decorate the pinata. Either use papier-mache paste to attach colored tissue paper on the pinata or paint it.Cut details like the eyes for the unicorn out of a heavier construction paper and attach them with papier-mache paste. Cut two pieces of tissue paper into narrow strips, not quite cutting them apart so that they are all attached along one edge of the tissue paper. Roll one of the sheets up to form the tail, and glue the other piece along the unicorns neck to form the mane. Allow the decorations to dry completely before filling the pinata.

Tips & Warnings

• The more layers of papier-mache you put on the pinata, the thicker it will be and the harder it will be to break.

References

• Best Preschool Games: Fun Pinata Patterns
• Coolest Kid Birthday Parties: Lean How to Make a Pinata
• DLTK Kids: How To Paper Mache
• "Homespun Curriculum: A Developmentally Appropriate Activities Guide"; Deinse Theobald; 1998