How to Make a Traditional Mexican Pinata

Piñatas go with any child's party theme and will be a welcome addition to the event. One traditional Mexican piñata is the star-shaped piñata. After you make the piñata you can fill it with candy or treats, and then hang it at the party where the children can take turns swinging at the star to release the goodies inside.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups water
• Bowl
• Round balloon
• Newspaper
• Scissors
• Masking tape
• Cardboard
• Colored tissue paper
• Box cutter

Instructions

1. 

   Mix the flour and water in the bowl and blend well.

2. 

   Cut newspaper into strips.

3. 

   Inflate a round balloon.

4. 

   Dip a newspaper strip into the flour solution and wipe off excess liquid.

5. 

   Place the wet strip on the balloon and smooth it down. Continue adding strips until the entire surface is covered. Arrange in a criss-cross pattern. Allow to dry. Repeat, adding two more layers. Allow to dry between each new layer.

6. 

   Make six cone shapes from cardboard. They should each be the same size, and all should be able to fit around the circumference of the balloon. Attach the cones using masking tape.

7. 

   Attach a cord around the balloon -- this will be used later for hanging the piñata. Affix the cord to the balloon with masking tape.

8. 

   Cover the entire object with three more layers of the papier-mâché. Allow to dry between each layer.

9. 

   Fold narrow strips of colored tissue paper lengthwise, and cut fringes along the edge opposite the folded edge. Cover the piñata with the tissue paper, applying the flour glue to the folded edge, and keep the glue off the fringe. Start at the bottom and work up. Before adding the tissue paper, cut a small flap on the upper side of the balloon area, to add candy before hanging. If necessary, prick the balloon to deflate. Add strips of tissue paper to the ends of each cone.

Tips & Warnings

• Add rows of different colors of tissue paper when covering the piñata.