How to Make a Papier Mache Piñata

What kid's party would be complete without a paper mache piñata to spill out the treats?

Piñatas are festive, fun, and a great decoration for birthday parties and special occasions.

Here are the basic instructions to get you started on making your own papier mache piñata

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large Inflated balloon
• String
• Newspaper
• Papier-mâché paste
• Small toys and candy
• Crepe paper
• Paint

1. 
   Papier Mache Paste

   Mix and prepare paste according to directions.
   
   Tear up stripes of newspaper.

2. 
   Sting Balloon

   Attach string to large balloon.

3. 
   Papier Mache on Balloon

   Cover balloon with paper and paste, leaving 6 inch diameter circle at the top of the balloon visible.

4. Let sit for several days to dry.

5. 
   Candy

   When dry, pop the balloon. You are now ready to add your goodies, such as candy and toys into your piñata.

6. Cover the opening with more paper and paste. Use paper and paste to add dimensions and shape to your piñata, like adding ears to make a tiger as pictured at the top of this article, or any other shapes to create the piñata of your choice.

7. 
   Decorate Papier Mache

   Decorate outside of piñata with crepe paper and paint.
   
   Sit aside to dry again.

8. 
   Hitting Pinata

   Hang up within swing reach of a toy baseball bat or stick. Allow children of all ages to take turns and attempt to break open the piñata at your next party!

Tips & Warnings

• Tie string to paper clip and place in wet papier mache when closing hole at top to hang piñata.
• Use smaller balloons and cardboard tubes and apply paper a paste over to add shapes when forming piñata.
• Be creative.
• If you don't succeed the first time, try - try again. In other words, if this is your first attempt at making a piñata and it doesn't come out the way you would have hoped, don't fret. Just try again, the second time always works out better than the first.

Resources

• Fish Pinata Instructions