How to Make a Pinata in 10 Sentences
Originally only found at Mexican celebrations, pinatas are now a staple at birthday parties all over the world. These papier-mache constructions are a colorful part of the decorations when they're hanging, they're a party game and--once they've been broken open--they provide take-home loot for the guests in the form of candy and small prizes. They're also completely customizable, as even a child can make a simple pinata and decorate it any way he likes.
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Things You'll Need
- 1 14-inch balloon, inflated and knotted
- Newspaper
- White paper towels
- 2 cups flour
- 3 cups water
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Pin
- Hole punch or awl
- 4 1-foot lengths of string
- Poster paint and brushes
- Wrapped candies and small toys
Instructions
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1
Tear the newspaper and paper towels into strips 1 inch wide. Whisk the flour and water together in the mixing bowl until smooth.
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2
Dip the newspaper strips one at a time into the papier-mache paste and place them, overlapping, on the balloon until it is covered, except for a 2-inch hole around the balloon's neck. Let strips dry and add another layer of strips and paste; let dry.
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3
Add a third layer of strips and paste, using the paper towels instead of the newspaper; let dry completely. Pop the balloon with the pin and remove it from the pinata, and then use the hole punch to make four holes equidistant around the pinata's opening.
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4
Tie the 1-foot lengths of string through the holes and then together for hanging the pinata. Decorate the pinata with the poster paint and let dry thoroughly.
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5
Fill the pinata by dropping the candies and small toys through the hole in the top. Hang the pinata from a tree branch or other high spot far from any breakables.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can also make papier-mache paste by mixing 1 part flour with 5 parts water and boiling for three minutes, or using undiluted liquid starch.
For a stronger pinata, put the first layers of strips on horizontally, the second layer of strips on diagonally and the third on vertically.
It takes about 24 hours for each newspaper layer to dry completely, so cover and refrigerate the papier-mache paste between uses. It can be thinned with hot water if it gets too thick.
