How to Make a Jack-O-Lantern Pinata

Set the mood for fun festivities with an easy to create paper mâché jack-o-lantern.

A paper mâché piñata holds up just long enough from the beatings of candy-crazed kids to provide entertainment and anticipation without taking forever to break. If you use liquid starch as your paper mâché medium, you can cut preparation and clean up time so you have more time to enjoy the fall festivities. Paper mâché scares off some prospective crafters because of its reputation as a messy medium. However, liquid starch paper mâché requires no mixing of materials and creates little mess even with young children. Making a personalized jack-o-lantern piñata has never been easier.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• 1 round extra-large latex balloon
• Large paper clip
• Masking tape
• Liquid starch, quart bottle
• Medium-sized shallow bowl
• Orange and black acrylic paint
• 1 large paintbrush
• 1 small paintbrush
• Scissors
• Glue (optional)

Instructions

1. Blow up the balloon and securely tie it. Cut newspaper into 1-inch by 5-inch strips. Cut enough to cover the entire balloon in two layers.

2. Unbend one side of the paper clip so that the clip forms an "L" shape. Hold one side against the top of the balloon with the other side of the clip sticking up at a right angle. Secure the side of the paper clip touching the balloon with masking tape.

3. Pour liquid starch into the bowl. Dip the strips into the starch, removing the excess by running the strip between two fingers as you remove it from the bowl. Cover the entire balloon, including the tape securing the clip, in a smooth, even layer. Allow to dry completely and repeat with another layer.

4. Allow both layers to dry. Paint the entire balloon in orange acrylic paint with the large brush. Acrylic paint provides durable, fast-drying color. Allow to dry and paint a second coat.

5. Add jack-o-lantern face details with the small brush and black paint. Paint thin lines to show the pumpkin texture. Paint the eyes, a nose, mouth and any other desired facial detail. Allow to dry.

6. Cut three sides of a small rectangle to form a door in the top of the jack-o-lantern piñata. Add candy by pouring it through the door. Close the door and secure with a thin line of glue or tape.

7. Hang the piñata by placing thin rope through the paper clip loop sticking up at the top of the jack-o-lantern. Hang the jack-o-lantern piñata using the rope extending from the top. The piñata is then ready for children.

Tips & Warnings

• Traditional flour or glue mixture paper mâché can be used but takes more time and clean up effort.

• To prevent mold, allow all paper mâché to dry completely between coats.

References

• University of South Carolina: Building a Solar System