How to Make Star Wars Pinatas

You can make "Star Wars" pinatas to represent your favorite characters for a theme party. Pinatas are hollow paper mache forms that are often filled with candy. The filled pinata is then strung up so blindfolded guests can have the chance to smash it open with a bat or stick. A "Star Wars" theme pinata could be inspired any member of the cast from the original movie or the sequels and prequels.

Things You'll Need

• Thin cardboard
• Scissors
• Masking tape
• Balloons (optional)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups water
• Shallow tub
• Whisk
• Newspaper (black and white)
• Tempura paints
• Tissue paper
• Glue stick

Instructions

1. Visit the Star Wars Databank website to view pictures and information on many of the characters from the series. Select one or more characters as inspiration for the pinatas.

2. Dismantle and cut apart thin lightweight cardboard boxes to make the basic form of the pinata. Combine the pieces of cardboard without doubling up any layers. Using masking tape. Tape inflated balloons onto the cardboard form to add rounded surfaces to the "Star Wars" theme pinata.

3. Combine all-purpose flour and water in a shallow dish with a whisk until they form a runny paste. Tear pages from the newspaper into long, 1-inch wide strips.

4. Dredge the strips of newspaper through the paste. Cover them completely. Lift the soaked strip of newspaper above the shallow dish and slide it between two fingers. Squeeze the majority of the paste back into the dish.

5. Apply pieces of the paste-saturated newspaper to the outside of the form until it is completely covered on all sides. Allow the flour paste in the newspaper to dry completely overnight.

6. Repeat the paste and newspaper strip process to add a second layer and strengthen the "Star Wars" pinata. Wait another eight to 10 hours for the second layer to dry.

7. Paint details such as facial features, recognizable symbols and clothing onto the "Star Wars" pinata. It should look like the character used for inspiration. Glue 1-by-2 inch sections of colorful tissue paper onto the outer surface of the pinata. Overlap layers so at least half of the length is unattached.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate the handle from a broom or mop so it looks like a lightsaber. Cover two-thirds of it with brightly colored blue or red crepe paper.

• Pinata bashing can be dangerous if the space surrounding the site is not properly cleared. Make sure everyone is standing far away from the blindfolded person before the person begins swinging the stick.

References

• Chevron Cars: How to Make a Pinata
• Elisa Kleven: Pinata Instructions

Resources

• Star Wars Databank