How to Make a 'Finding Nemo' Pinata

Pinatas are papier-mache boxes that come in the shape of animals, stars, cartoon characters and more. Popular at Mexican festivals, pinatas are filled with candy and other treats and hung by a string from a tree. Children wearing blindfolds take turns swinging a bat or a stick at the pinata until it breaks open, scattering the candy on the ground. In this article, you'll learn how to make a pinata in the shape of a fish, which can be decorated to match any of the characters in the movie "Finding Nemo."

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups of flour 3 cups of water A balloon the size of the desired pinata cavity Newspaper, cut into strips 1.5-inches wide and about 8 inches long White computer paper or paper towels Scissors Paint, markers or crayons Glue Crepe streamers Construction paper String Candy to fill pinata

Instructions

1. Mix together 2 cups of flour and 3 cups of water. This will be the paste that holds the pinata together. You can store leftover paste in the refrigerator overnight while the pinata dries.

2. Blow up the balloon to the size desired. The bigger the balloon, the bigger the space for candy in the pinata.

3. Dampen the strips of newspaper in the paste and layer them over the balloon, covering it except for a hole at the top that's large enough to put the candy through. Each strip should cover the edge of the one next to it to ensure complete coverage. Lay strips across the balloon and extending out to begin forming the shape of a fish, with a head on one end and a wide tail at the other end. When the first layer of strips covering the balloon is on, set it aside and let it dry. Each layer can take up to 24 hours to dry. Don't start applying a new layer until the previous one is solid.

4. Put another layer of newspaper strips dipped in the paste over the first layer, placing them in the opposite direction of the first layer's strips. Then add strips to continue to shape the pinata like a fish, sculpting the wet newspaper into a nose. Use long strips to form the tail of the fish by sticking newspaper strips to the end of the balloon and fanning them out in the right shape. When the second layer is on, let it dry.

5. Place one final layer of paper strips on the balloon, using the white computer paper or paper towels. Using white paper at this stage covers up the dark gray of the newspaper and makes it easier to see bright colors when they're painted on later.

6. Pop the balloon and pull it out through the hole in the top. If it won't come out, it's not a problem; just push it down inside.

7. Paint the pinata. If you want your pinata to look like Nemo from the movie, use orange and white stripes. If your pinata is going to look like Dory, use blue and yellow paint. Let the paint dry overnight.

8. Glue on streamers of crepe paper for the fish's gills and to make the tail longer. Cut pieces of construction paper out in the shape of scales and glue these on if you want to give your fish more texture. Use paint or paper for the fish's eyes and mouth. Let the glue dry.

9. Punch two holes in the top of the pinata and thread the string through them and tie it tightly. Fill the pinata with candy and hang it about 6 feet off the ground. Now it's ready for your party.

Tips & Warnings

• Adults should be present when children begin to hit the pinata to make sure no one is hit accidentally. Beware a free-for-all for the candy. To avoid disappointment, make sure everyone gets some.